Two Story House - Top floor rented out separately to bottom one

Discussion in 'What to buy' started by NoobieProp, 3rd Dec, 2021.

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  1. NoobieProp

    NoobieProp Active Member

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    Hi all

    Quick question - I'm inspecting a property tomorrow that is a two-storey house where both the top and bottom floors are being rented out separately to different people.

    Does this mean the owners have gotten council approvals and then made sure both areas have their own kitchen, toilet, entry etc.?

    Are there any specific questions I should ask to make sure that this is 'legal'?

    Cheers
     
    NoobieProp, 3rd Dec, 2021
    #1
  2. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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    You need to ask the Council.
     
    Joynz, 3rd Dec, 2021
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  3. The Y-man

    The Y-man Moderator Staff Member

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    Check with council.

    The Y-man
     
    The Y-man, 3rd Dec, 2021
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  4. Rich2011

    Rich2011 Well-Known Member

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    Take a tape measure and check the ceiling height is 2.4m downstairs in the bedrooms a living areas. Don't trust the agent to tell you what it is... If it's not 2.4m it's almost certain it can't be legally rented.
     
    Rich2011, 3rd Dec, 2021
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  5. Westminster

    Westminster Tigress at Tiger Developments Business Member

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    2 tenancies in one dwelling with a horizontal division (ie one above the other) will need to adhere to STRICT fire separation regulations - just like apartments do.

    It is not an easy thing to do on an existing house and so there are many dwellings out there which are illegal but people have been renting out.

    There are 2 issues
    1. meeting the building codes
    2. does council allow 2 different dwellings on the block
     
    Westminster, 3rd Dec, 2021
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  6. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    Third issue is if someone is renting them out separately, and they aren't legal, and something happens, your insurer likely will not cover you. Huge red flag!
     
    wylie, 3rd Dec, 2021
    #6
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  7. NoobieProp

    NoobieProp Active Member

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    Thanks for the feedback (and everyone else)! Seems like a bit too much of a hassle to deal with so I'm personally passing on it.
     
    NoobieProp, 4th Dec, 2021
    #7