Turning a one family house into 2 separate zones (office + residence) (property tax, renting)

[danblum]

Hello,

We have a one family house which is divided in 2 zones. One is an office and the other larger one is where we live. It is located in a residential area. We might move out and we were thinking of renting out the residential part (2 or 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom). The idea would be to keep using the office space and keep it separate.

A few questions:
- Are we allowed to do that?
- Are there any restrictions that would apply?
- Do we have to separate formally the utilities (water/gas/electric)?
- Do we need to get the town authorization to do that?
- Will it have any implications in term of property tax?

Look forward to reading your comments
Dan

[BirdieBelle]

Originally Posted by danblum

Hello,

We have a one family house which is divided in 2 zones. One is an office and the other larger one is where we live. It is located in a residential area. We might move out and we were thinking of renting out the residential part (2 or 3 bedrooms + 1 bathroom). The idea would be to keep using the office space and keep it separate.

A few questions:
- Are we allowed to do that?
- Are there any restrictions that would apply?
- Do we have to separate formally the utilities (water/gas/electric)?
- Do we need to get the town authorization to do that?
- Will it have any implications in term of property tax?

Look forward to reading your comments
Dan

Call the city codes department and ask them. Each municipality has their own rules. Our town would not allow that.

[dontaskwhy]

For possible tax implications, check with your CPA. For zoning questions, check with the city/county government. There is no easy answer that anyone here can offer.

[danblum]

well noted. Thank you. I will check.

Practically are there many ways to separate the utilities?

[BoBromhal]

nope.

you'd need to pay for separate meters and supply lines. Imagine the cost of running water and sewer on your dime from the street to the building.

[dontaskwhy]

Originally Posted by BoBromhal

nope.

you'd need to pay for separate meters and supply lines. Imagine the cost of running water and sewer on your dime from the street to the building.

Sadly, much more expensive to retrofit on an existing home rather than if it was installed when the home was originally built.

[danblum]

I see. For the water, there is no way to put a meter just for the one bathroom we have in the office?

[danblum]

Any idea on the water split in 2 zones?

[dontaskwhy]

Nobody said it can't be done. Just stating that it will be expensive to re-plumb it to put it on a separate water meter.

[danblum]

Ok. I understand. Thank you so much all!! Another question: what do you need to qualify a room as an official kitchen?