condo neighbor want to lease part of his unit (Salem: sale, rental)

[kale]

hi everyone,

We currently live in one unit of a 2 family condo conversion, the other unit is still on the market for sell. Now there are some potential buyers want to buy the other unit but rent one of the bedrooms to a friend and want our initials to acknowledge that too so they can get better loan.

My concern is this rental setup doesn't agree with our condo document, which indicates "one can only rent the whole unit but not a portion of it..", while, They will probably keep the same living arrangement anyway with or without our signitures, I just want to know what are the consequences of signing?

Should we make it a big deal since they will live like that anyway?

Any input will be really great! Many thanks!!

[MovingForward]

Don't sign. Period. You don't know these people. You have no idea what they're long-term plans are. Further, before even purchasing the unit, they've asked you to break the condo rules. Not a chance. DON'T SIGN.

[MovingForward]

*their* not "they're*

sheesh. . . .

[goyguy]

Beaucoup kudos to MF for self-editing! The massacre of English on the 'net makes me seethe. It's rare to see someone catch and correct themselves.

I second MF's emotion. If the sale falls through, so be it. I own one floor of a converted three-decker, and had to put up with several years' worth of neighbors who followed the association guidelines as they saw fit. Their most flagrant offense was to adopt an untrained dog despite the clearly-stated provision that canines aren't allowed. Whenever they left the house without the pooch, it would howl continuously until they returned, to say nothing of barking at all hours. Your condo docs seem to be well thought out. (I rented my spare bedroom to someone during lean economic times for a while, but I wasn't bending or breaking any of my association's rules. The idea of not providing for that is a wise preventive measure against rootless 20-somethings' bringing in roommates and creating a party house with mom and dad's money.)

Say "No way!"

[cousinsal]

I live in a 3-unit home in Salem. I thought about renting out my place until I could sell, although I've not done it yet.

Anyway, in our condo documents, we cannot rent at ALL unless the other unit owners agree (which they most likely would not). I'd just have to sell.

Do whatever is LEGAL - nothing else. Don't go against the condo documents. If they come in, and rent the room, IF the person they rent to causes problems, guess what - you can have that person thrown out, since the owner will not be playing by the rules by renting just a room.

[kale]

Thank you so much, Movingforward, goyguy and cousinsal!
We made up our mind not signing everything and told our seller so. While, we really want to start a relationship with our neighbors nicely and positively, but just as MF said we don't actually know these people and their long term plans. maybe it is better to go with rules ahead of time to prevent future problems and misunderstanding.
They will probably still live with their friend anyway without saying "renting", let's hope everything goes well...

[capecodcathy]

Condo docs are written with these clauses for a reason. Usually arising out of horror stories from the past. Stick with the docs. Good decision on your part.