All Forum Posts by: Matt Smith

 I am confused, how there are options available today that does not comply with city rules (ceiling lower than 7ft)? Any thoughts?
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/38161704?source_impression_id=p...
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42953577?source_impression_id=p...

Thank you for the feedback. Definitely need to put more thought to it 

 House is in Chicago neighborhood. I’m just concerned of legality of basement unit and like you mentioned permitted status. If I would require some documentation from the city, would that trigger them to do the property lookup?

if it’s illegal today, I don’t want inspector to show up and have more problems

I read about houses build before 1957 so if in current condition I would go to the city to get permitted, would 7ft ceiling still be a problem?

or it’s better keep as is with small updates done

I am at the beginning of remodeling a multi-family house and looking for assistance/opinions on renting out garden unit at AirBnb once rehab is done.

The house is build before 1920s and has two condos (1st and 2nd floor). Previous owners converted basement space into livable space (kitchen, shower, bathroom), but it does not comply with legal ADU unit standards (one separate entry, 6'10ft ceiling). House is marked as RS-3 zoning. I am looking to do some updates and touch ups in basement unit as well.

While the house zoning requirements comply with ADU requirements, the basement is not up to ADU standards (ceiling is too low and one entry). Are there any exceptions in place for the houses that are that old and has existing converted unit in the basement? 

Digging down is not really an option for me because of additional cost. Not looking for long term rental in the basement so going through all the headaches of converting into legal ADU are not worth it. I am looking if there are some exclusions that apply in my case. My brother would be staying 3-5 months of the year, while other time I would like to rent it out on Airbnb. I have seen and been in Airbnb in various conditions/sizes, would that be a problem?

Experience and opinions are appreciated. 

House is in Chicago Area