Purchasing a multi family with an illegal unit

[Matthew Teixeira]

Looking into purchasing a multi unit with a unit that is not known by the city. Public records has the property with 4 units but a previous owner converted the attic space into a 5th unit. To my understanding, the city was made aware years ago while the unit was being completed and told the owner to add a sprinkler system to the entire house or they would not allow a variance for a 5th unit. The owner did not follow through with the city and did the unit anyway. This was approximately 10 years ago. What types of issues, if any, could I run into with this property if I proceeded with purchasing? The current owner has been residing in the 5th unit since its completion.