Basement Apartment

[Erik Pedersen]

Hello All,

I am looking at a 2family house in Bayonne that has a large finished apartment basement. It used to have a tenant living there, butt he seller said since the prior tenant brought a girlfriend to live with him, he kicked them out due to it being an illegal apartment and too many people being there.

My question is, does anyone know a thing or two about a legal basement apartment? Now the first reply will be 'check with your town/city..' Im going to call them tomorrow (its Columbus day today) and find out. But what sort of questions do I ask?

I know the utilities (water heaters and two boilers) are in there. Would that be an issue?

There are two exits one in the front and back, and two windows are large, large enough for anyone to get out of I think. There is No stove nor would I put one in.

Im also wondering why the seller didnt try to get a CofO before. If I get this basement apartment rented it will increase the cashflow big time and really make this a homerun.

Appreciate it.

[David Krulac]

@Erik Pedersen

BTW I have had basement apartments, key word is had. Basements are often smelly, damp and musty and can be an ideal breeding ground for mold.

Because of potential fire issue, I don't own either basement units or units above the second floor.