Basement Apartment Rentals

[Benjamin Ford]

I currently live in Falls Church, Virginia (Fairfax County) and am thinking about converting my basement into an apartment and renting it out. I think there may be Fairfax county rules against this, but I am wondering if anyone has an idea of how loosely/strictly those rules are enforced. Along the same lines, I know the county recently passed some laws that permit Airbnb and other short term rentals for a limited number (60) of days per year. I was wondering if anyone had an idea of how strictly that ordinance is enforced as well.

Thanks,

Ben

[Thomas S.]

I assume you are inquiring as to having a unpermitted basement apartment. My experience is that enforcement is based on complaints. Building inspectors do not go out on their own looking for violations. They simply act on complaints.

If a neighbour complains or you get into a dispute with your tennat and he files a complaint you will be fined and shut down. Neighbours very often do not get along with renters and renters will often leverage their position if they find out a unit is illegal.

The problem usually arises out of the fact that cellar dwellers are generally low quality tenants and can cause problems that often result in complaints to oficials..