GA basement, can it be rented?

[Delsater Z.]

Hello good people of GA! I need your advice

Im considering a Duplex near Decatur GA (Atlanta area) with a partially finished basement as part of of the deal; supposedly could be finished and rented as a 3rd unit. However, the sellers don't have a permit for it, nor water/electrical meters etc.

The house was built in the 50's, Zoning is R-75, and Tax document reads "Improvement Type: 06-DUPLEX 2 FAMILY RESIDENTIAL"

Its built on a slope with the 2 units on the upper part and a separate basement below, with its own entrance and windows on all 3 sides.

The owner has already done the framing (each room has a window) as well as electrical wiring, plumbing, AC and ducting.

I would have to continue finishing myself as well as get permits, water/electrical meters etc..

Does this sound legit?

How possible is it to get a variance (or improvement) and make it legit as a 3rd rentable unit?

I'd really appreciate your insight!

Z

[Stan Sugarman]

You would have to rezone the property which would be time consuming. The county staff if in the unincorporated portion would not be supportive and I doubt most likely the neighbors would be pretty combative. If it fails you are going to be stuck with annoyed neighbors with no gain.  

Also you would need to install a new electrical disconnect for the whole house. The fire department has to have a disconnect for the whole house which is over 3000 installed. New water meter is 1500 plus an additional water line to the home. Do the windows meet egress code? Your walls need be insulated and you will have to create a fire separation assembly between the basement and the upstairs units.