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Super in Basement ?

Started by jaco_nyc
over 14 years ago
Posts: 2
Member since: Mar 2011
Discussion about
Hi there, I visited an apartment in a small condo that I like a lot. Everything checks my must have list, but I am a little bit concern b/c the live-in-super (great feature) lives in the basement in a space that I am sure is not zoned for living ? How often does this happen? What are the liabilities I could incur as a condo owner and board member (I plan to get involved...) ? Thanks
Response by needsadvice
over 14 years ago
Posts: 607
Member since: Jul 2010

You ever hear the phrase "mind your own business?"

If you want to poke your nose where it doesn't belong, buy a coop, they love people like you.

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Response by bramstar
over 14 years ago
Posts: 1909
Member since: May 2008

Needs, if jaco were to purchase in this condo it WOULD become his 'own business'. If there is a resident living in a space that's not zoned for living the condo owners could indeed be liable if something were to go wrong (a fire, for example), harming that person. It is actually a serious concern and as a potential buyer jaco is right to want to look into it.

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Response by upperwestern
over 14 years ago
Posts: 2
Member since: Jun 2010

what's the address?

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Response by semerun
over 14 years ago
Posts: 571
Member since: Feb 2008

Is it a basement or a cellar? It makes a difference. A basement is only partially underground and might be a habitable space. A cellar is fully underground and is not habitable.

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Response by jaco_nyc
over 14 years ago
Posts: 2
Member since: Mar 2011

It's a cellar :-(
The building is recent, fireproofed, fire sprinklers everywhere... so the risk of hazard is quite low, but...

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Response by lo888
over 14 years ago
Posts: 566
Member since: Jul 2008

English basement?

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Response by e76
over 14 years ago
Posts: 226
Member since: May 2009

there are zoning laws that require some percentage of natural light in order for a space to be legally livable. for instance, no windows with a skylight works (not sure on the required ratios, etc), but there are ways to make it a legal space. i'm assuming you're looking to buy there, not rent, correct?

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