If you’re caught with an illegal apartment in a commercial property you own, you will in all likelihood be fined and either be required to remove the unit or legalize it by getting the correct permits. In the event that there’s a fire, flood, other dangerous situation, though, you can expect your insurance company to refuse coverage, and a death in one of those situations could lead to civil or criminal charges.
There isn’t exactly a box you can check on Zillow for commercial/residential properties, and you probably won’t find that option on your local MLS, either. If you know the area you’d like to live in, you can kick the process off by driving around and looking for signs. Vacant commercial property is usually well-advertised, with plenty of signage and prominent contact information. Pay special attention to older areas of town—they’re more likely to be zoned for mixed use.
Ultimately, though, your best bet is going to be getting in touch with a realtor or broker who knows the local market well. Many specialize in either residential or commercial properties, but some do work with both. Happy hunting.
If you do, you probably will be fined and either be required to remove the unit or legalize it by getting the correct permits. In the event that there’s a fire, flood, other dangerous situation, though, you can expect your insurance company to refuse coverage, and a death in one of those situations could lead to civil or criminal charges.
There isn’t exactly a box you can check on Zillow for commercial/residential properties, and you probably won’t find that option on your local MLS, either. If you know the area you’d like to live in, you can kick the process off by driving around and looking for signs. Vacant commercial property is usually well-advertised, with plenty of signage and prominent contact information. Pay special attention to older areas of town—they’re more likely to be zoned for mixed use.
Ultimately, though, your best bet is going to be getting in touch with a realtor or broker who knows the local market well. Many specialize in either residential or commercial properties, but some do work with both. Happy hunting.
