One of the primary responsibilities of a real estate attorney is to ensure that a client will be able to use the property being acquired for intended purposes. Reviewing deeds and building/zoning records before a contract is necessary to ensure this. A common obstacle arises when buildings are designated as Single Room Occupancy (SRO). These buildings typically consist of single rooms with a shared kitchen and bath down the hall but, on occasion, appear as if they were traditional apartments.
Our team is frequently asked to assist clients who seek to purchase properties impacted by SRO designation. In order to make any substantive changes to the use or occupancy of the building, a Certificate of Non-Harassment must first be obtained which will prove that no tenants were forcibly or wrongfully removed from the premises. These are applications that our team is quite familiar with and has handled on a regular basis.
