Re: Tenant keeps using basement as bedrms - Landlord Forum thread 220006

Re: Tenant keeps using basement as bedrms by Anonymous on March 23, 2011 @19:13

If the town code says no bdrms in basement and the bedrooms were not there when I rented it to them I still violated there rights? I was going to removethe "bedrooms" I think I will lock up the basement

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Re: Tenant keeps using basement as bedrms by ERIC on March 23, 2011 @19:22	[ Reply ]

I would doubt the Town code says no bedrooms in the basement. A bedroom needs a closet, outlets and an egress window. But if they turned a basement into a bedroom, even the town would not issue a citation. You cannot 'sell' a basement bedroom, but you can sleep in one.

Re: Tenant keeps using basement as bedrms by Jezz (NY) on March 23, 2011 @19:30	[ Reply ]

The town rental code does say no living space in the basement.The town would issue violations for the "bedrooms" I was hoping for some help not an argument.

Re: Tenant keeps using basement as bedrms by ERIC on March 24, 2011 @08:22

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I wasn't arguing. I am having a hard time trying to understand how a split-level, a walk out, or a fully finished basement with egress windows would not be allowed.

I am also having a hard time understanding how a Town would even know about it. I even have a hard time understanding how a Town would even be able to enforce it, much less if a DA or Code enforcement person could prosecute for it. Or how a Judge would be able to issue fine for a unconstitutional ordinance.

You cannot 'make' people stay out of a basement unless you board it up. If they want to sleep there, it's their own business, not yours.

Re: Tenant keeps using basement as bedrms

Re: Tenant keeps using basement as bedrms by Jake on March 23, 2011 @19:43	[ Reply ]

The origin of this problem begins with you. You did not address the use of the basement in the lease. The issue of the basement is something to be addressed on the way in. Not in the middle.