Zoned as 2 units, has an attic separate studio

[Brendan L.]

I'm looking a property that is zoned as 2 units, but has an attic studio with separate water/heat. My goal would be to live in the studio and rent the 2 units below. Would I run into any issues, legal or otherwise, by doing this? Would I benefit from having it rezoned to 3? If I want to eventually move out and rent the studio, must I have it rezoned to rent that out? Thanks!

[Meghan McCallum]

@Brendan L. I like your house hack strategy. Now, here's what I suggest. Call and ask to set an appointment to meet with any of the code inspectors of rental properties in the city you are looking at. Likely it will be early in the day (bring donuts or bagels for the office) or later (consider another snack for the office). Introduce yourself as a new investor in the area and tell them you have that property you would like to get under contract. Let them know you want to adhere to all their rules so you wanted to come right to them for advice. They may even be willing to look the property up for you, give you advice, and introduce you around. This will give you a good idea as to what you can do.