Purchased home as 4 Br for AirBnB rental. Violation with city Because septic is 3 br

[Raydeane Bouchard]

Eight years ago, I purchased a 4-bedroom daylight rambler in Federal Way, WA (near Tacoma) with the intentions to subsidize my Social Security with the income from an AirBnB. I cashed in my $30K retirement and added a kitchen to downstairs to create a 2-bedroom apt. 

Last month, a guest turned me into the city and now I am required to shut down the AirBnB because I am in violation. My septic system is only a 3 bedroom. When I purchased the home, MLS and seller's disclosure reflected 4 bedrooms with 0-4 bedrooms for septic.

Upon research, further city records have disclosed that no remodel could be conducted on the property because septic was non-conforming. To make matters worse, the professional contractor hired 8 years ago to add downstairs kitchen did not get permits for dishwasher, microwave, sink, and stove. I have additional violations for that. Contractor has since been suspended by state for non-compliance. I don't know what to do. 

I am a widow and have since retired, with no retirement anymore. I am a senior on Social Security and will no longer have AirBnB income to qualify for another home. I am sick at heart and don't know where to turn.

Should I hire a real estate attorney to sue seller and contractor? Should I appeal the violations because of ignorance due of seller's lack of disclosure and contractor's lack of integrity? Or should I sell the house and rent until I run out of money?

[Bruce Woodruff]

Here's another possibility....turn one of the bedrooms into an office or den - meaning remove the closet and have the city inspect it. Maybe this will work where you are, maybe not, but I have done this in San Diego.

Then pull a permit and have the kitchen inspected. Assuming it passes, then you are good-to-go.

You might want to go to the City and be upfront about what you are doing, they may be sympathetic since you did not initiate any of these transgressions. I have found that municipalities really just want to solve problems.

Worth a try maybe.......