Forum
« pre purchase assessment AFM Safe coat,green varnish ideas »
August 28, 2007
Building Classification Question
I recently purchased a property and noticed on the DOB website that it is a “Miscellaneous One-Family” does anyone know what this means and why? My neighbor’s house is listed as a Two-Family and is exactly the same (inside and out) as my property.
Comments
I'm taking a wild guess here so don't quote me... If your house is listed as a 1 family but is configured as a 2 family, there was probably a conversion done without the appropriate DOB filing. You may need to have an inspector come to make sure the conversion was done to code. Or you could just ignore it, but then you would be renting out your property illegally. That could be problematic.
Posted by: guest at August 28, 2007 12:33 PM
OP here, that sounds about right, my garden apt. ceiling height is over 6ft (almost 7feet), I know the requirement is 8feet for above gound apartment but not sure about basements.
Also there is a full kitchen and bath already installed. So I guess this conversion was done without permits, but if I call an inspector I am setting myself up for trouble, fines,etc, but if I change the C of O to a 2 family the value will jump substantially and I can rent it out. I am caught between a rock and a hard place.
Posted by: guest at August 28, 2007 1:10 PM
I'm not an expert, though I am trying to straighten out discrepancies between DOB records and the reality of my own brownstone. You might want to ask an expediter. I'm using Suzanne Griffith, 917-991-8856.
Posted by: guest at August 28, 2007 2:42 PM
Hi,
Maybe this site might help you a little.
http://www.tenant.net/Other_Laws/zoning/zontoc.html
Posted by: GabeS at August 28, 2007 8:23 PM
...or you could have a "roommate" who has a separate kitchen, bath and entrance.
Posted by: slick at August 28, 2007 9:51 PM
don't know who told you a ceiling needs to be 8 feet, but they're an idiot. 7'-6" is ceiling height. you are renting an illegal apartment. nice. you're an idiot for not figuring this out before you bought your apartment. I hope you lose your house when your tenant sues you.
Posted by: guest at August 28, 2007 10:09 PM
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.