3 Unit Listing vs. 2 Unit per Cook County Assessor

[Felix Z.]

Hello All, Long time lurker, 1st time poster and soon to be first time real estate investor. I will be viewing a property that is listed as 3 units. Per the Cook County Assessor, this building is only 2 units. Should I be under the assumption that 1 of the 3 units is not a legal unit? ...Or could this be an oversight on the assessor's part? 

This building is being listed as "Recently renovated", a City of Chicago building permit reveals a permit for interior renovation in late 2012. 

Thanks!

[Matthew Olszak]

@Felix Z.

Nope, the assessor doesn't matter. You need the zoning certificate to see how the city classifies the property. 

Be careful with general permits like that and assuming the additional unit was permitted. I've seen "permits pulled" before for only something simple and unrelated, like drywall replacement in the 2nd unit, with the owners insinuating the permit was for the addition as well. To cut to the chase ask the sellers outright if the 3rd is legal - if they skirt around the issue or say they don't know then assume its not. And be sure your attorney checks the zoning certificate at closing to make sure it shows 3 units.