Is this legal/ok?

[Zac P.]

I am looking at buying a duplex that is very large and has a finished basement in each. In each basement, there is a full bathroom and bedroom. So I was thinking, this could be a 4 plex?! The basements have separate entrances behind the house. There are 3 windows in the basement living rooms, but no windows in the basement bedroom or bathroom. There is also only that one entrance in/out. Are there fire laws (restricted access) restricting this? Any other potential issues that I would run into? This could possible be a cash cow.

[Brie Schmidt]

I would suggest checking with your local zoning and fire codes. Here in Chicago many of the properties have "illegal garden units" that are considered grandfathered in. Usually though there needs to be at least 2 exits points.