Cleveland Heights - Is house hacking basement possible?

[Michael Storch]

Hey everyone, 

I recently acquired a cleveland heights home. I was excited because the basement needed an egress window and I was viewing it as a potential additional room and house hack and future rental possibility. 

Turns out, I believe the Cleveland Heights code doesn't allow you to have "sleeping rooms" in the basement. 

In hindsight, I should have checked the code prior to purchase. This is really killing my optimism for the property and even ADUs need to have primary owner living on site. 

Are there any other house hack ideas or thoughts on what to do with the basement for rent/forced appreciation?

Thanks!

[Anthony Swain]

Hey Michael, 

Sounds like you got into a little pickle there. It would have been great to have the basement to rent out. For example, I know in Baltimore, people do this with the city rowhomes allll the time (convert basements into extra living space). It is a shame that it is against code. I'd double check with the city if there is anyway to possible get around this. If not, then I thought of something.

What about renting out the basement space as a workspace? I heard people have had success setting up divided rooms with desks, chairs, etc. to rent out as pseudo office space. I don't know the demand in your area, but maybe that?

Good luck with it!

[Brian Jackson]

Hey Mike- Are you able to live in the basement and rent out the upstairs?

[Richard Arakelian]

Kudos on the purchase, Michael! 

Maybe you can rent the extra rooms out and live in one. If it's a three bedroom you can collect rent for two bedrooms, especially college students. That'll help. 

I'd get quotes from professionals first before thinking you can't add an egress window. Check these guys out.

This shows you can do it with these guidelines, and these.

Who did you go with as your lender, can I ask? I actually want to buy a multi-family in Cleveland too. I want to live in one of the units and rent out the rest. I have my eye on one that's in my price range. 

[Richard Arakelian]

This site says you can install an egress window in Cleveland Heights!

[Andrew Weiner]

I know that in single families in Cleveland Heights people have put in basement bedrooms with an egress window and they were on formal plans that were submitted to the city and approved.  That's far from a definitive answer because its an owner occupant and a single family, but I would imagine if you e-mail the house/building department they should be able to give you a firm answer.  

[Michael Storch]

Thanks for the help everyone! I appreciate it!