Chicago Basement In-Law Unit

[Account Closed]

I'd love to get everyone's thoughts on renting out a basement in-law unit in Chicago. I am looking at a two flat on the north side, but the numbers only work if I convert the basement into an in-law rental unit. I know a lot of people in Chicago do this, but my understanding is that it is not technically legal. What are the potential risks? Is this something I should just steer clear of? 

[Jeff Burdick]

Originally posted by @Account Closed:

I'd love to get everyone's thoughts on renting out a basement in-law unit in Chicago. I am looking at a two flat on the north side, but the numbers only work if I convert the basement into an in-law rental unit. I know a lot of people in Chicago do this, but my understanding is that it is not technically legal. What are the potential risks? Is this something I should just steer clear of? 

 Non-compliant units in Chicago are a vague subject.  Many of them were completely legal for decades and have since become non-compliant because the requirements for units have become more strict over time.  Many of them are grandfathered in.  It is different than a purely "illegal unit" in many other areas...simply because Chicago houses are generally 100+ years old.  The two main aspects, it seems, are ceiling height and two egresses.  PM me and I'll tell you about my personal experiences with non-compliant units.