Potential tenant wants use kitchen for commercial cooking

[Trush A.]

Hello BP, I have a potential tenant wanting to use kitchen for part time commercial use. The house is in A/B neighbourhood wIth new appliances. They are also section 8. I am in MD. I am wondering if I should rent the house to this person. If yes, should/can I ask for higher rent as they will be using appliances and kitchen for commercial purpose? Or is it too much headache and I should say no? Can I turn down applicant because they want to use it for commercial purpose? Any input you can provide is greatly appreciated.

[Michael Gefvert]

A couple of points I would consider are: does your kitchen meet code requirements to be used as a commercial kitchen? and a big one, will your insurance provider cover a claim like a kitchen fire if the kitchen was being used for a commercial purpose?