Random question about apartment complex laws, codes, etc. Is it legal to live in it by yourself?

Question

For example, if I wanted to buy a duplex and knock out a few walls, making it my own, could I do that? Heck with that, how about a whole apartment building, 6-12 apartments or whatever? Or more?

Not that I'm planning any of this . . . just curious.

Answer 1

When it comes to ownership of "real property" you have the right to do whatever you want with it.  If you wanted to knock out all the walls, so be it-- it's yours!!

Answer 2

As long as you get building permits you can do what you want.   Knocking out walls is tricky, because you have to prove the structure will still be sound when you are done.

Answer 3

"When it comes to ownership of "real property" you have the right to do whatever you want with it. If you wanted to knock out all the walls, so be it-- it's yours!!"

Not quite entirely true. If you own an apartment building and nobody lives in it, then yes you can do pretty much whatever you want.

If there are tenants already there, especially in a rent controlled system, you are pretty much screwed until they die or decide to move out on their own.

I think it would be really cool to do that with an apartment building.

Answer 4

Yes happens all the time in New York City