All Forum Posts by: Matt Heidenfelder

@Matt Heidenfelder Interesting to note, I read one of the memos @Jay Hurst posted. This is not easy. I didn't look at the months, but from 2018 when the regulations were updated to 2020 when the memo was written only 2 ADUs were approved. There are a ton of restrictions in that memo, like basically you can only rent the ADU and not both units potentially. You have to have off street parking for the ADU unless it is pretty close to a bus stop. You have to have separate power drop to ADU, and a ton of other restrictions.

This is almost exactly what has happened in CA. They passed the ADU regulations kind of under the guise (or maybe the noble goal) that it would help put a dent in affordable housing....but then when you look at how many ADUs actually built, very few. So nice goal by everyone, but often in reality very difficult to implement.

@Matt Heidenfelder love the idea. Opens you up to lots of inventory to choose for to successfully execute. To address a few questions

- no this would not convert it to a multi unit or separate mailing address. No rezoning necessary If needed you can add 2nd mailbox and call one unit A and the other unit B. Will need to be communicated with Post Office or have a conversation with the person that delivers the mail

- permit is recommended but not 100% required. Here in Denver I have bought multiple properties with similar layout to execute the same strategy you are describing that did not have permits.... come to think about it, I remember asking but did not receive anything because it was a quick close and the property had such amazing potential due to the additional income while living here. 

- Before looking to build all of this yourself, do something similar to what I did. Find properties on the market where someone has already done this work for you. 

Here are a few example I found with a quick zillow search. 

https://www.zillow.com/homedet...

https://www.zillow.com/homedet...

If you are zoned single family, then I would doubt City of Dallas would allow rezoning in most areas, and also not issue permit, as you are turning single family into mutli-family.

Have people done it....sure.

Once your neighbors figure it out and complain about it, then likely you get a cease and desist order from code enforcement.   Then you're in a potentially world of hurt with your tenant.

Possible, but how do you divide water, hot water, AC, heat, etc.

In general this is probably not a good idea in the DFW area.

It's me again...I actually had a previous landlord that I stayed with who did this exact thing you are describing. He blocked off the interior door from the the rest of the house, and built a small kitchenette in that space. The room already had an outside door to the backyard, and he used a sidewalk that led you to the backyard for that tenant. I was just moving out when he implemented this, but overall he had been a landlord for 20 years, so I think he knew what he was doing. Also, the town was in HIGH demand for any rooms to rent out, so it was a no brainer.

I haven't personally done this, but it sounds promising. My only question is if you're able to get the work permitted and to figure out what's required to convert your property into a multifamily home. If everything checks out, this seems like a solid plan to house hack your home.

If you wanted the bedroom to be its own unit with it's own separate mailing address you would have to check with your local ordinances and state laws. I know in my Jurisdiction in order for a living space to be converted into an a multi unit it has to fit certain criteria. For example, there has to 2 seperate entrances,  Bathroom has to be it's own room, own utilities,  windows need to be big enough for someone to fit through, etc. 

If you are just wanting to rent at room out without a separate address in most cases you fall under a different set of laws and might not me needed. But having a separate bedroom with its own entrance that is locked is a good idea for renting rooms out.