Student Housing Zoning Regulations

[Anthony Siconolfi]

I am looking to purchase my first rental property for student housing. I have been looking in various cities in Upstate, New York and have noticed a recurring theme: Cities have very strict zoning rules and regulations for students.

I have noticed many landlords do not necessarily follow these rules or regulations, or the rules themselves are pretty wishy washy and sometimes unclear. For example; the number of beds allowed in a home type or zone district, or a certain land use in a zone district. I have also come to learn the house I was living in college for 2 years was not correctly following all of the regulations. Come to find out, it seems as though the whole neighborhood may not be following the rules. It seems as though a lot of these rules are loosely enforced?

Has anyone ran into the same problem? Open to any advice! Thanks!