Legal 2 unit with 3 units?

[David Goldstein]

I'm looking at a multi-family property in Providence, RI that is listed as "a legal 2 unit plus additional studio apartment" on the top floor.  Sounds like the studio has its own bathroom.  Plan would be to rent out both 2BR units, and I would use the studio when I'm in town every other week for work. 
Assuming AirBnB doesn't get outlawed in Providence, would I be able to rent out the studio on AirBNB for the days I'm not using it, even though it says legal 2 unit? 

[Anthony Thompson]

@David Goldstein I think it's somewhat uncharted territory. Mainly because the 2 legal units means 2 living dwellings, and you're suggesting using the studio apartment not as a living dwelling, but essentially as a short-term accommodation.

I wouldn't base your purchase on it, but I think you might be able to do that, to a point. Basically until a neighbor complains to the city, if you have an unruly AirBnB guest.

At that point, I think you'd have a problem with the city because you'll have essentially turned it into a mixed use property, part residential (2 units) and part commercial (the studio short-term accommodation).

I think you would ultimately lose that fight, and possibly have to pay fines, but you might be able to get away with it for years, if you are so inclined.

As I said though, I certainly wouldn't recommend basing your purchase price on that, because I think it's ultimately an illegal use of the property.