Rental Income From Multi-Family Rowhouse

We bought a four story / two family rowhouse that will be configured as a triplex over a basement rental. We can’t convert to a three family and were wondering if it is still legally possible to rent part of the top floor. That space would have a bathroom but not a kitchen and it would be mostly separate from the rest of the house, although we would share the stairways. Our owners unit would be a duplex on the 2nd & 3rd floor, in addition to a small office space on the top floor. Any experience or knowledge about legally generating income from this type of space is appreciated. Thanks!

eastfour

in Real Estate - Rentals 11 years and 4 months ago

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no-permits | 11 years and 3 months ago

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“_We wouldn’t intend to have a full kitchen, but would you know if a kind of wet bar is allowed – an area with some cabinets, toaster, sm. sink, mini fridge etc?_” you’re describing a kitchen, eastflour.

eastfour | 11 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks for the response. Yes, it would seem to be a a roommate situation. And from what I understand, locks are not allowed on any doors. We wouldn’t intend to have a full kitchen, but would you know if a kind of wet bar is allowed – an area with some cabinets, toaster, sm. sink, mini fridge etc?

brokelin | 11 years and 4 months ago

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The situation you describe sounds like that of a roommate, someone renting a room within your home, which is perfectly legal to have. Is there something you have not mentioned that makes it otherwise?

resident2 | 11 years and 4 months ago

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The only way is as an AirBnB short term furnished paying guest B & B situation. Or as a room-mate situation. It is illegal to put locks on any interior doors within a housing unit, your triplex is a housing unit, even if you have paying guest in one room, you cannot allow a lock to be put on the door, or your doors to your rooms. There is no way to rent it out as an independent tenant situation. Either way for your piece of mind, it is probably not worth it.

daveinbedstuy | 11 years and 4 months ago

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Not legal. Inviting problems.