Renting out my home with an unpermitted bathroom

[Camden Fischer]

Hey all,

When I bought my townhouse in December 2019, I added a bathroom and kitchenette to the basement and stupidly did not pull permits for it. I know now that it was a big mistake, and have been kicking myself for it since. For what it's worth, in almost two years the bathroom hasn't had any issues. The contractor was licensed and came highly recommended, and I trust his work. 

I plan on leaving this house and finding a renter this May. My locality (Washington, DC) requires that I have my house inspected in order to rent it. Will the inspector flag me for an unpermitted bathroom? The illegal work fee will be $2000 or maybe $4000. Not to mention the cost of ripping out walls and likely the floor, since they had to drill through the concrete to get to the sewer line. Could I get away with finding a renter and not getting the proper approvals for the city? Or will that bite me in the *** too? How would you all proceed?

[Bruce Woodruff]

Well you've already seen what skirting a the law can get you......but you're in now so....

What kind of inspector do they send out to do this particular inspection? A building inspector will probably catch you, but another type may not. When I had my STR inspected to get a license, they sent out a non-building inspector lady. She was pretty knowlegable but just in regards to basic codes like GFIs and smoke alarms.

I'd call and ask who is coming out first then make a decision. You may have to just cross your fingers and do it anyway....?

Note to others: This is why it's always best to get a permit, and this is only one of many reasons......