Would your tenants pay for a studio with a kitchenette?

[Tyler Youtzy]

Hey everyone. Im looking at a property to purchase that I would ideally set up as an up/down duplex. The basement is finished and separate with its own bedroom, full bathroom and a living room/area. I would need to add a kitchen to the space, but in order for it to remain a somewhat useable living room space, it would need to be a smaller kitchenette. Mini fridge, smaller sink, counter top stove, maybe a microwave and some cabinets. Does anyone think this would deter enough people from a studio space to keep this from being a viable option? 

Fall back idea would be to just keep everything the way it is and rent the downstairs as the 3rd room, and the whole house is shared amongst the tenants. 

Any thoughts/tips are appreciated!

[Tyler Youtzy]

Quote from @Kevin Sobilo:

@Tyler Youtzy, a couple possible issues.

First is zoning. Does your local zoning ordinance allow for a 3 unit where this property is? If not, you may need to ask for a variance for it to be allowed.

Second issue, are you sure the bedroom in the basement is legal? Does it have proper egress in case of a fire? Often basement bedrooms will require full size egress windows to be installed to be legal bedrooms. You wouldn't want to rent this to someone knowing it isn't a legal bedroom in case they died in a fire because you could be held liable. Also, if your municipality has rental inspections it likely would not pass anyways. 

I have to double check zoning, but I know that in most of the surrounding areas duplexes are permitted. The basement would be the second unit, not the third. The downstairs bedroom does have a window that's large enough to be an egress, as well as a full closet so it would be considered a bedroom. My biggest concern is a tenant finding the space suitable with a kitchenette vs a full kitchen.