How do I confirm # of Units on a property

[Michael Krassos]

Hello all, I'm interested in a property that is advertised on the MLS as a 2-family in NJ. The basement is finished with a kitchen and separate entrance, which indicates to me a possible 3rd unit. I called the town who indicated property needed to be of a certain square footage and provide parking for 7 to be approved as a 3-family. I just got back my OPRA request where I requested the property tax record. On it is indicated a 3-family. Can anybody advise who I need to confirm this with? The property does not have parking for 7 cars, but I wonder if property can be grandfathered-in! Any advice on next steps appreciated.

[Chris Masons]

Mike,

In alot of NJ towns basement rentals are frowned upon by the down due to egress issues, ceiling height and a variety of other issues.

Soudns to me like you have a legal 2 family with another apartment in the basement. One option is to try and rent the first floor to a larger extended family and you would rent basement and first floor as 1 unit and get somewhere in between what you could rent them seperately for and what first floor would rent for...

Where I have properties there are yearly inspsections that take place as there are so many "illegal basement apartments that are rented out.  It is ok to have a stove,kitcen, closets down there but when the town sees a bed they freak out.

Hope this helps,

Chris