If i own my home can i live in the basement it has a bathroom kitchen and 3 exits all work was done b4 1960,?

Question

I live in ny (queens) i made no renovations to the basement except addind ceiling fans. the ceilings are over 7 feet, i am not collecting rent so im not breaking tax laws, was told by inspector if i setup a tent in my yard i can live there legally but

not in my basement lol is that not hillarious. any advice would be appreciated i go to court soon so i need help soon.

Answer 1

i cannot see any reason why,if u own the property

Answer 2

Apply for a certificate of occupancy for the homeowner and not for rental purposes..I wouldbelieve  that with the proper fire exits and necessary items such as plumbing and sewage already ran that it should be okay...also..This basement was finished as it is now it should fit under the "grandfather clause"...and be Grandfathered in..Unless it is condemned(which it isnt) I do not believe they can for when it was built it was totally legal...The ceiling fans mean nothing for this was not a structural upgrade, nor a electrical renovation or plumbing renovation  to violate any laws... new sinks , comodes etcetera are not conisdered a renovation on the plumbing part, just simple maintenance

Answer 3

That is totally lame on the inspectors part. If you own your own home I don't think that anyone should tell you what part of the home you can or can not live in. I would not have brought it up to anyone in the first place. I would go ahead and live in my basement, p**s on what every one else thinks. If you pay your taxes on the place then I wouldn't worry about it.