Renting a large area of my basement as a painting studio

Hi I have a lot of room in my basement. The ceilings are around 8 feet tall and there are windows. I’d like to rent the space to this artist I know. The basement already has a toilet and sink. Will that be legal? Obviously he won’t be allowed to sleep or use it as a work/live space but ONLY as a painting studio. Thoughts?

shjom

in Cellar 13 years and 2 months ago

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bobjohn | 13 years and 2 months ago

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does he paint nudes?

dazednconfused2 | 13 years and 2 months ago

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Assuming you’re talking about a residential building, like a brownstone or row house, no it’s not legal.  The only legal use is that which is on your C of O.  If you do not have a C of O, then the basement is considered part of the residence and can only be used ofr residential purposes.  A studio is a commercial use and would be permitted in the residence as a home occupation, but that would be the occupation of the person living there and is limited to 500 sq ft or a percentage of the floor area (I think 25% or less) whichever is less.  Depending upon which zoning district, you could change the ground floor to a commercial use under certain conditions, but it’s probably not worth the effort for a painting studio.   Of course we haven’t even discussed whether it’s a basement or actually a cellar.  Given that you state there’s a powder room, I’m guessing it’s a cellar, not a basement, in which case the studio is even less permissible.   Not trying to be scary or anything.  This is just the by-the-book response.  As a previous poster said, it’s relatively unlikely that someone would report the use.  It depends a lot upon your neighbors and the potential renter.

landlord | 13 years and 2 months ago

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My biggest concern would be related to insurance: would renting the basement give the insurance ground to dismiss a claim should something happen to the building that involves the basement?

rh | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I don’t know if it’s legal or not, but if you keep quiet about it (oops, too late), you shouldn’t have a problem. The only thing I would do, if it was me, is put an exhaust fan down there, especially if he’s working with oil paints and other stinky medium. Perhaps have him pay for that or add it to the rent.