The conversion of a rental building to a condominium is a project that involves changing the legal structure of an existing development. It enables an owner to share in the ownership and operation of a residential or commercial complex, while having negotiable title to an individual unit.

How is a condo conversion done in Boston?

While some municipalities have a condo conversion tax (e.g. Boston) and others have an approval process (e.g. Arlington), most condo conversions are accomplished simply by filing these documents and plans with your county’s registry of deeds. Once complete, the individual units become separate property, ready to be sold or owned independently.

Can a apartment be converted to a condo in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, only buildings with six or fewer units can qualify for conversion. A property is automatically qualified if it consists of only two owner-occupied units owned by separate owners.

How is a condominium conversion regulated in California?

In California, condominium conversions are regulated by a law called the Subdivision Map Act, and also by local law in the jurisdiction where the property is located. The local jurisdiction processes the conversion application and, once that application is approved, a subdivision map is recorded.

Which is the best way to convert a house to a condo?

A smarter approach is to hire a private condo pre-inspection specialist to inspect the property. This expert will give you a reliable opinion of what work you will need to perform on the building in order to convert, and what code compliance costs you should expect.

What is the legislation that governs a condominium?

The legislation that governs a condominium is called the Condominium Act, SO 1998, C-19. There are pros and cons for building owners and potential condo buyers to converting a rental building to a condominium.