Take care of their privacy and security.6.

Hi Kenneth,Regarding the structure.Side by side is a better duplex layout than over/under if you can manage it on the lot.No complaints about loud upstairs renters in a side by side.Also think noise reduction between the units, inside and outside, as well as privacy between renters.

It’s still a part of the main house but can be separated with an exterior entrance to allow for privacy from guests.Dig in to the local ordinances regarding short term rentals and see what type of language they might have about shared rentals or renting part of your primary residence.

Sonoma County seems to protect personal privacy (which I can appreciate!)

I am a bit concerned about privacy issues around putting a lockbox on a property when tenant is living there.

Legal protection and privacy.

My goal was to purchase one of these types of homes so I can live in one half and rent out the other (more privacy). 

So, the owners kept the lanai to maintain their privacy. 

You should have the right to document the visit with pictures or video for your personal records (respect privacy).

Both properties have 7' privacy fences and we have a private entrance leading to our property.We've provided the tenants with a pet addendum, however there's no language in there protecting our dog should anything happen to their cat.