Illegal Basement Apartment

[Caileigh Oldroyd]

Hello! I live in Massachusetts and I was on the hunt for a new apartment. I found a really amazing redone basement apartment that had everything I could want in an apartment and a great price. The only set back was that they said it was technically illegal because of the stove being in there, and to pass inspections of some sort they just have to move the stove. They said they never have had to do that- but I really don't want to be partaking in anything illegal. Is there any ways that this apartment can become legal? Can anyone shed some more light why the stove only makes it illegal? I understand there's building codes and it could be because it's only zoned to be a two family home- but why is the stove the only problem? Thanks.

[Russell Brazil]

The Boston area is filled with tons of illegal basement apartments. It's merely a fact of of life there.