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Quite an interesting discussion. A friend of a friend owns a commercial building (zoned industrial) who lives in it along with his business. He's got an upstairs area he built with all the conveniences of home. He's divorced and lives alone. He's been living there for 3 years. If he had to pay rent in addition to the mortgage on the building, he would be bankrupt since his business is barely holding on. I always wondered about this arrangement if it's legal. I don't know whether he escaped detection or maybe it's OK for the owner to live there. It works quite nicely for him and saves him a grand a month on apartment rent.
They typically don't live in the units. They store their stuff in them and sleep in the back seat of their cars, or whatever they have, then spend the day with their stuff, which is more comfortable than spending the day sitting in a car.
Quite an interesting discussion. A friend of a friend owns a commercial building (zoned industrial) who lives in it along with his business. He's got an upstairs area he built with all the conveniences of home. He's divorced and lives alone. He's been living there for 3 years. If he had to pay rent in addition to the mortgage on the building, he would be bankrupt since his business is barely holding on. I always wondered about this arrangement if it's legal. I don't know whether he escaped detection or maybe it's OK for the owner to live there. It works quite nicely for him and saves him a grand a month on apartment rent.
If your friend owns the building and doesn't broadcast where he lives, I doubt if it would be a problem. Some of the immigrants that come to the US will buy a business,(example, dry cleaners), and live in the back of it. I used to live in a building with retail space downstairs. There was a family owned flower shop on the ground floor, and the entire family lived in the back of it.
There is no way you should or would be allowed to LIVE in a self storage container. I know for a fact (my mate owns a self storage facility) that people do enquire about using a unit to live in, but for many reasons its out of the question.
Firstly, it's illegal as they are commercial units and the company would only have a commercial license not a residential one. Secondly, most storage units have no windows or ventilation and many dont even have electricity. Third, as someone has already mentioned, many storage places have opening and closing hours, so you'd be trespassing at night. But lastly, what kind of person would allow a fellow human being to live in a cold steel box?!
There is no way you should or would be allowed to LIVE in a self storage container. I know for a fact (my mate owns a self storage facility) that people do enquire about using a unit to live in, but for many reasons its out of the question.
Firstly, it's illegal as they are commercial units and the company would only have a commercial license not a residential one. Secondly, most storage units have no windows or ventilation and many dont even have electricity. Third, as someone has already mentioned, many storage places have opening and closing hours, so you'd be trespassing at night. But lastly, what kind of person would allow a fellow human being to live in a cold steel box?!
With all due respect, why are you adding to such an old thread which died off well over a year ago?
That is a very sad situation. Is he on SS disability yet? Have you checked w/ local public housing office to see about getting into one of those places? Other social service entities for any kind of help? Section 8 etc?
Quote:
Originally Posted by janw2222
My husband has active TB (don't know where got it) and hasn't been able to work for 10 months (he can't leave the house until he is inactive so we can't move it with family etc. even though we don't have any living). We are getting evicted from our apartment because we can't pay the rent. We have no place to go. I work but only make 10.00 an hour and can't even pay a third of our bills. I was thinking a storage unit would be the only answer. I know many of you think it's weird but not to us. I can't afford to pay for any kind of place at this point. Any ideas?
That is a very sad situation. Is he on SS disability yet? Have you checked w/ local public housing office to see about getting into one of those places? Other social service entities for any kind of help? Section 8 etc?
See previous post. This thread is well over a year old.
I've heard roumers that some people rent a public storage space and live out of it (because it's cheaper then getting an apartment in some places). I know that this has to be illigal somehow (if it was not, everyone would be doing it!)
I'm wondering what kind of trouble you could get into by doing this?
Old post but I will add 2 it
I did this for almost 2 months when I was down and out 30 years ago they just asked me to move on. A funny story after I made it I bought the storage facility 15 years later and at closing I told the owner my story he said his dad had told that story for 15 years before he died.
Location: When you take flak it means you are on target
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LOL @ the above. Good for you!
Even though this is a ghost thread, people should know that fair housing laws don't apply to commercial buildings. In most states they can just toss your things out and lock you out if you are living in violation of a rental agreement for storage.
Also generally, so long as any modifications are done to code you can live in a commercial zoned building. I'd love a big old industrial building where I could build a loft but have a bunch of shop and storage space for cars and stuff. Plus nobody will call the cops if you play your stereo too loud.
I hit a tree with my RV, and had to wait homelessly while it was being repaired. It took 3 wks and I had to succumb to sleeping at my storage. I live in a small town, so they never lock any gates and have no cameras. I had a bed and a couch in a 10x20 and was very comfortable. You cant be obvious though, meaning get up and leave early, and probubly not a good idea that other renters see your bed set up etc.. I usually park nearby, never a problem. Every couple of days I would get a motel and charge up my laptop, cellphone and portable dvd player. Luckily the local campground has showers that are 2.00 for a 6 minute shower. Just dont go to your storage until the staff leaves for the day and get up and leave before they come in. In the bigger cities, forget it as the staff lives on site and the places are a damn fortress. We all have to do what we can to get by in these times, right? I mean look around, there are so many people living in cars and in tents and old RVs. Good Luck to anyone that has to consider this option and hopefully things will get easier for you in the future. Oh yeah get some flashlight lanterns that have a dimmer, ice chest, and small trashcan for toilet. Gross, I know but necessary.
P.S. The last wk I was there, I noticed another lady doing the same thing I was. We never spoke, but we both knew what the other was doing.
Last edited by Anna57; 09-20-2011 at 03:55 AM..
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