Buying a multifamily home that is zoned as single family

[Erin Caldwell]

I am in the process of looking for my first multi-family home (and first home ever) in Tacoma, Washington. I have put in three offers (obviously denied so far), but have learned a lot in the process. However! I found a type of property today on the mls that I have not run into. Through my research I am not finding great answers. Any help or insight is welcomed about the issue below.

The property I'm interested is zoned and listed on the msl as a single family home. However, it really is a duplex in every sense (separate kitchens, separate meters, entrances, garages, etc.)

There are currently no tenants and has zero rental history since it was built in 1969. Has anyone run into this? A home that is listed as single family but really isn't? Could there be some kind of underlying zoning issue that will end up terrible? Could I end up buying this, then never being able to actually rent it out? Also, has anyone gone about converting a single family home to a multi?

Thank you for your advice!

[Erin Caldwell]

Originally posted by @Patrick Liska:

Erin,

Check with the town zoning department, they will tell you if it is legally a 2 family or is a SFH. and they will tell you if it can be a two family home. the problem with having more units then what is allowed is the town could force you to remove some stuff or if the place ever had a disaster and the insurance company found out it was an illegal 2 family, they may not cover you.