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

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.

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.

what's the address?

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.

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

English basement?

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?