Shady unit split

[Ray S.]

I have a multi family home. My studios get rented the day they become available. The 1& 2 bedrooms take longer, and generally can't get as good of rate per SQ compared to the studios.

The 1 bedroom 2 bathroom can be converted into 1 large studio and 1 very small studio, just by putting up a temporary wall where the bedroom door is. They would both have full bathrooms, but the smaller one wouldn't have a full kitchen. I can probably get 40% more in rent as studios. This wouldn't be a permitted change in the building though.

Is this worth doing? Is it legal? Can it be done legally without updating plans? What are the chances I'd get caught? And if I did what would be the consequences? Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

[Kathy Johnson]

The first time you get a professionally deadbeat tenant, they will check the zoning/planning info on the address and use it to fight paying rent.