Multifamily built in 1750 with low ceilings

[Jen Starr]

Wondering what people think and know about of low ceilings. I just had an inspection on a property that at first glance looks great. 3 family/8 bed in a college town and on the most desired street. Current tenants are paying below market. Building needs about 25k of updates to foundation and electrical that the owners are willing to do. My big concern is that the ceiling height going down basement stairs and coming down from third floor is so low that at 5"4 I'm hitting my head. The second floor kitchen, clearly an add on at some point also has weirdly low ceilings but the current tenants don't seem to care, they just love the location. Since all utilities are in the basement and the first floor units washer/dryer it is inevitable tenants will go down there. And obviously the person in the third floor unit (a very petite woman haha) will be coming and going from her place. My concern is that if someone hits there head and falls I'd be liable. Despite the fact that as far as I know that hasn't happened since 1750. Numbers are good. That's not my concern. Area desirable, etc. Are there codes for these things? Thoughts appreciated! Jen from RI

[Shawn M.]

The code for stairway headroom s 6'8. But you would be grandfathered in as long as the apartment was added legally. You absolutely need to go to the building Dept and check the permits and zoning on file for the property to make sure you have a legal 3 family.