2 Family House with Attic and Basement Apartment Boston Area

[Chris Conde]

Hi All,

From time to time I see 2 family houses in Somerville and Cambridge area with an attic and a basement apartment, essentially making it a 4 plex/family. There is only two postal addresses. My question is are these legal apartments? What makes them a legal apartment? Here's a description of the two additional apartments:

Attic Apartment: 1 bedroom. There are two methods of egress. One exit through the inside of the apartment below it and one main entrance/exit. No separate utility meter. Full size windows, Closet in the bedroom, small kitchen, small full bathroom.

Basement apartment: Has two exits. Windows are the small flip out windows. Full bathroom and kitchen. Closet and window in the bedroom (small flip out window). No separate meter.

When analyzing a house like this do I consider it a 4 plex? If there are only 2 meters then I would have to include utilities in the rent because it's not separable? Are there zoning laws that require parking per unit or certain bedroom per sq ft?

Any LL's in the metro Boston area in the same situation and how should I analyze it?

Thanks

Chris

[Matthew Perry]

Consider it if for no other reason to be safe a duplex. Yes if/when you go ahead and purchase the property then you go ahead and apply to get it zoned as however you would like it, do the extra electrical work to add the extra measures. Inspectional services loves nothing more then to find apartments like this, so it is better to go ahead and count it has you know it and as it is to start and spend the money to do it the right way.