It gets hairy when you have a main house (say 5/3 with a pool) and a 1/1 or 2/1 in law suite - renting them separately can cause problems with privacy expected in the main unit, etc.

If you have a proper fencing around the backyard of your home then it will offer you safety and privacy both at the same time.

You have a property that someone is renting, and that person expects (as I would) that they would have privacy.

I love my privacy too much to have someone I don't know using my stuff and living in my space.  

For my properties with windows in the shower, I like to get that privacy film that applies like tinting a window.

You might have trouble getting students to share a room rental, they tend to want more privacy once they move off campus.

And if so, did you have to mitigate any legal/privacy concerns for the other residents?

When it comes to your question, I don't think it is overstepping your tenant's privacy as long as they were notified of what's going to happen and why.

If he's able to do this with a four bedroom property it will be reduced even more and he may potentially be able to live in the property for free / next to nothing.By using this strategy, my client will be able to control an asset for far less than it would normally cost him, and still receive the tax benefits, appreciation, and principal paydown of the loan.Plus, by having reduced monthly expenses, he'll be able to pocket the extra funds he's saving every month and use those to fix up the house and force appreciation or save as a down payment for property #2 in a few years.Depending on your financial situation, you may also be able to do this for a residential multifamily property (2-4 units) such as a duplex, and that way you can have one side all to your self if you value the extra privacy and space.This is just one way to get started, but there are many more depending on your experience, comfort level, and financial situation.Be sure to soak up the vast amounts of knowledge here on the site, and ask any questions you may have if you get stuck or need some advice.Best of luck!

The third option is to get a Privacy Loan which is typically more negotiable but is typically a short term loan that will require you to refinance the property's first loan.