Atlanta, GA · Member since 2016 · 2 posts · 0 votes
Hello BP Friends,
I wanted to reach out as I bought a house with an unfinished basement. I have been considering turning into a 1/1 or studio with a small bathroom. I would want something that is very simple that I could live in and start to rent out the top and begin real estate investing. I have asked around to a few construction companies but I feel like the information I am getting is very general and the renovations they want to do are a lot more involved than what I need. I am also relatively handy and can do some of the smaller items. Any information or guidance you guys have is appreciated.
I came across your answer and I really hope you can help answer a couple of my question. I've reached out to the city of Atlanta and got no reply, I've asked 2 Realtors and they don't seem to know the answer either. So my understanding is if I put a kitchenette in the basement suite then It becomes an in-law suite, which can happen in a single home zone and doesn't require city's approval. But if I put a kitchen, then it becomes a duplex, so I gotta either do it where it is zoned in a duplex or have the city's approval. So my question is:
1. Can I legally rent out an I law suite?
2. Do I need the city's approval to rent out an inlaw suite?
I came across your answer and I really hope you can help answer a couple of my question. I've reached out to the city of Atlanta and got no reply, I've asked 2 Realtors and they don't seem to know the answer either. So my understanding is if I put a kitchenette in the basement suite then It becomes an in-law suite, which can happen in a single home zone and doesn't require city's approval. But if I put a kitchen, then it becomes a duplex, so I gotta either do it where it is zoned in a duplex or have the city's approval. So my question is:
1. Can I legally rent out an I law suite?
2. Do I need the city's approval to rent out an inlaw suite?
Thank you so much for your time!
Jenny
I'm sorry, Jenny, but I really don't know. Have never done that. My suggestion would be to go downtown to the zoning office and sit down with them and talk to them.