Renting both a primary home and a dadu

[Andrew Olson]

My wife and I are planning on building a dadu on our 5 acre property near Spokane wa and I’ve been trying to educate myself on all the possibilities and issues. When I break it down we will have 2 houses and we could live in either. Man house has 4 beds 3.5 baths and the dadu will have 2 beds 1.5 baths. 

Thinking about things like long term vs short term rentals, furnished vs unfurnished, renting booth and movin if work requires, how to do mail and utilities if we rent both properties etc. 

Looking for other things I should think about and guidance. Thanks!!

[Sher J.]

Hey Andrew! You will want to confirm with the city all the ordinances requirements regarding building a dadu and that you are properly zone. They may have requirements regarding min sqft, frontage, height etc. and you will have to take that in consideration when figuring out cost to build as well as the future rent that you can collect. Perhaps the deal will not work with long term tenants making you forced to look at mid term or air bnb etc. Hope that helps!

[Michael Smythies]

Hey there! It sounds like you've got some exciting plans ahead with that dadu project on your 5-acre property near Spokane, WA. Let's break down your considerations one by one: 

Long-term vs. Short-term Rentals: This depends on your goals. Long-term rentals can provide more stability, while short-term rentals (like Airbnb) can yield higher income but require more maintenance. Consider your local rental market and your willingness to manage guests frequently.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Furnished rentals can command higher rents but may experience more wear and tear. Unfurnished rentals may appeal to longer-term tenants. You could start furnished and switch later if needed.

Renting Both Properties: If you plan to rent both, it's a good idea to keep a contingency plan for your own living situation. Maybe have a temporary place in mind in case you need to vacate for work or other reasons.

Mail and Utilities: To manage these, you could have separate accounts for each property or include utilities in the rent for your tenants. For mail, consider a forwarding service or a P.O. Box.

Other Things to Think About:

Local Regulations: Check zoning laws and building codes for your area. Make sure your dadu project is compliant.

Insurance: You may need different types of insurance for your properties, such as landlord insurance.

Maintenance: Budget for regular maintenance and repairs for both houses.

Tenant Screening: Develop a solid tenant screening process to ensure responsible renters.

Taxes: Consult a tax professional to understand the tax implications of rental income.

Guidance: Consider consulting with a local real estate agent or property management company. They can provide insights into the local rental market, help with legalities, and offer guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Communication: Keep open communication with your wife throughout the process. Make decisions together and ensure you're on the same page regarding rental plans and responsibilities.

Remember, this journey is a learning experience, and it's perfectly normal to have questions. Take your time, do your research, and be prepared to adapt your plans as needed. Best of luck with your dadu project! It sounds like an exciting adventure ahead. 🏡🌟

[Andrew Olson]

Appreciate all the feedback. Talking to my contractor, he just built a d a du for his daughter,permits were very difficult to get so I'm leaning more towards splitting our property into 2-3 parcels. Going to do that research today. Know lots of laws are changing on this in the state of Washington due to our "housing emergency". I'll post some updates.

Sher you are correct about the restrictions and that is the biggest thing that is supposed to change with the new laws.currently limited to 24 feet tall with a12/4 roof and the max ground floor can be 800 or 75% of primary house size. Also had to be 150 from primary house. Thanks for the info and thoughts.

Andy

[Michael Smythies]

It's great to see you actively seeking feedback and considering alternative options. Splitting your property into 2-3 parcels can be a viable solution, especially if permits for a dadu are proving to be challenging due to changing regulations in Washington. Here are some additional insights and considerations:

Parcel Splitting Research:
When exploring the option of splitting your property into multiple parcels, thorough research is key. Check with your local planning department to understand the current zoning laws, subdivision requirements, and any recent changes in regulations that may impact your decision.

Legal and Zoning Changes:

As you mentioned, Washington has been addressing housing issues through legislative changes. Stay updated on these changes and consult with local authorities or a land-use attorney to navigate any new regulations effectively.

Building Codes and Height Restrictions:

Understanding the specific building codes and height restrictions for each parcel is crucial. It's good that you've already identified some of the limitations. Ensure that your plans align with the requirements for each individual parcel.

Proximity to Existing Structures:
If you decide to split your property, consider how the new parcels will be situated in relation to your existing structures. It's important to maintain practical and aesthetically pleasing layouts.

Infrastructure and Utilities:
Be prepared to address infrastructure and utility needs for each new parcel. This includes access to water, electricity, sewage, and roadways. These considerations can significantly impact the feasibility of the split.

Keep a timeline for your research and planning. Given the evolving nature of housing laws, staying updated is crucial. Feel free to share any significant updates or challenges you encounter along the way, as they can provide valuable insights for others in a similar situation.