{"id":16445,"date":"2022-11-02T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-02T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/content-manager\/?p=16445"},"modified":"2023-07-22T11:36:25","modified_gmt":"2023-07-22T15:36:25","slug":"basement-apartments-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/basement-apartments-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to NYC Basement Apartments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever walked around NYC, you\u2019ve probably seen the beautiful brownstones that line many streets here. You\u2019ve also likely noticed the basement apartments underneath those homes. Basement apartments are usually a cheaper way to live in a brownstone apartment. However, while they can be a great deal, basement apartments in the city can be a bit\u2026tricky. Not all basement dwellings are well-built, and many are even illegal<\/a>. So what are the pros and cons of basement living? How do you know if your basement dwelling is legal? More importantly, how do you know your basement apartment is safe?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Are Basement Apartments Legal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several ways to know if your basement-dwelling<\/a>, or a dwelling you\u2019re seeking to rent or buy, is legal. First and foremost, unless the dwelling in question meets minimum government requirements for air, light, sanitation, and egress, then a basement or cellar apartment is illegal. These requirements address safety concerns since people in basement apartments have a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and egress in the event of a fire or other emergency. Similarly, for this reason, only the family renting the dwelling can live there. No other boarders are permitted to stay there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also construction regulations that have to meet safety and comfort standards. For example, if more than half the dwelling is below the curb, it is considered a cellar, and cellar apartments are VERY illegal. You will likely be forced to vacate cellar apartments by the city. Other regulations include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n