Renting a separate garage unit

[Jason V.]

Good Morning BP! 

I'm looking for some advice on the rental of a garage unit which will be rented to someone who isn't a current tenant at the property. This garage has a half bathroom as well as a small office. 

My question to those of you who are doing something similar: are you using your 'normal' rental agreement with these tenants? Does the eviction process change at all if it becomes necessary? Are your properties being re-zoned as commercial use or mixed use? Or are the zonings not changing? (I know that's a very regional question - this property is in rural NY.) 

Under previous ownership, this space was owner-occupied (he kept his tractor and other tools there.)

Thanks!

[Account Closed]

Check to make sure it is legal to rent first. I had a neighbor at my industrial property do exactly that. Then, she was stupid enough to complain about the industrial noise that my tenants have every right to make. "You're bothering my renters!" she screamed rudely. She knew these people were renting an illegal unit from her.

So, I decided to contact the county about her illegal renters and get rid of that problem. The garage currently sits empty, because it is not legal to rent. The owner could probably occupy it, but they don't want to.