Using a cellar as 2 bedrooms and living space

I am wondering why the CofO says it is a one bedroom? Besides the cellar, what do you (and the broker advertising this as 3 bedroom) consider the second bedroom? Is it below grade too or missing some other necessary requirement (like windows or minimum size?) A 2 bedroom place with a rec room is within the realm of “wink wink, nod nod” 3 bedrooms — but a 1 bedroom? Good for you for reading the fine print.

housepoor

in Brownstoner 12 years ago

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bah1976 | 12 years ago

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Hi, we are new to the USA and have been renting a duplex in Prospect Heights whilst the paperwork went through to purchase the apartment. When we found the listing, it was advertised as 3 BR, although the sponsor told us the cellar is classified as “recreation space”. The offering plan and certificate of occupancy states that it is 1 BR. Our concerns/ questions are as follows- 1\. As renters, are we legally allowed to use the cellar as bedrooms? 2\. When the time comes for us to sell the apartment, can it be advertised as 3 BR? 3\. Once we own the apartment and were to rent it out, would our tenants be allowed to use the basement as bedrooms? 4\. How much would it cost to get the Certificate of Occupancy amended to 3 BR? Can this be done? This is causing my husband and I a great deal of stress- especially as we are expecting our 2nd baby next week! Thanks in advance for any replies.

jockdeboer | 12 years ago

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There are ways to make a cellar habitable. If it is on the C of O then you should be good.

jockdeboer | 12 years ago

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There are ways to make a cellar habitable. If it is on the C of O then you should be good.

brucef | 12 years ago

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Bah, I am puzzled by Jock’s response, perhaps the situation was unclear. Bedrooms must have windows, except in odd situations, skylights can be substituted. So, no, you cannot advertise or represent the rec space as legal bedrooms. Regardless, what you do in your “rec” space is only your business, so it certainly can used as you please. Ditto for a tenant, just call it Rec space. Amending the C of O I would rate as just short of impossible. The developer certainly would have spent the money to get the extra legal bedrooms. You have entered the “Wink Wink, Nod Nod” realm of NYC real estate. Unlike the Starship Enterprise, this is where Many have gone before.

mousta | 12 years ago

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I agree with bruce. The DOB will never recognize the cellar as anything but rec space. You wouldn’t be the first and you won’t be the last person to use a cellar for bedrooms. Listings that don’t have “legal” bedrooms oftentimes still list as bedrooms. Depends on how above board the listing agent and seller are.

Putnamdenizen | 12 years ago

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You would not be allowed to sell it as a three bedroom, and if a tenant let an inspector in you might face some sort of fine. In my opinion you shoudn’t buy this apartment if you want a legal 3 bedroom. That said, search the archive for the difference between a cellar (more than 1/2 below the grade at the front of house) and basement (less than…). Sounds like a nice one bedroom with bonus space.