Nearby homes with income and multigenerational potential.

Top 10 questions before making an offer

1 - Is the 690-square-foot, two-bedroom ADU fully permitted, finaled, legally occupiable, and insurable?
2 - Does the advertised 1,552 square feet apply only to the main house, and what square footage does the county recognize for each structure?
3 - What are the legally recognized bedroom and bathroom counts for the main house and ADU?
4 - Can the seller provide the complete permit file and itemized documentation for the claimed $100,000+ in upgrades?
5 - How old are both roofs, HVAC systems, water heaters, plumbing systems, and sewer line?
6 - Why does the property have both raised and slab foundations, and were any additions or wall removals engineered and permitted?
7 - Was the replacement electrical panel properly permitted, finaled, and sized for the main home, ADU, powered shed, gate, and other loads?
8 - Have there been insurance claims, water intrusion, drainage problems, mold, foundation movement, sewer backups, fire damage, or pest damage?
9 - Can you obtain affordable written insurance coverage that includes the detached ADU and any rental use?
10 - Will your lender and appraiser recognize the ADU’s legal living area and rental income without creating an appraisal or financing problem?

11 - Ask about solar for the ADU?

Property Management:
1 - Security Cameras: Tenants must sign a separate acknowledgment confirming that security cameras are installed and actively recording in designated exterior and common areas of the property. Cameras will not be placed in bedrooms, bathrooms, or other areas where tenants have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Recordings may be used for security, safety, property protection, and investigation of suspected lease violations or unlawful activity, as permitted by law.
2 - Access to Recorded Footage: Security-camera footage may be accessed or disclosed only when necessary or when required by a valid court order or subpoena.
3 - Prohibited Activities: The possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs or non-prescribed controlled substances is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property. Smoking or vaping any substance—including tobacco and cannabis—is not permitted inside the residence or anywhere on the grounds. Loud music, disruptive gatherings, parties, and other activities that disturb neighbours or interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the property are also prohibited. Tenants are responsible for ensuring that all occupants and guests comply with these rules. Violations may result in appropriate action under the rental agreement and applicable law.
4 - Guest and Visitor Limit: No more than one guest or visitor is permitted on the premises at any time. If the guest or visitor stays overnight, the stay may not exceed two consecutive nights.
5 - No Pets, including birds.
5 - Users will be held accountable for any pests, insects, rodents, or infestations caused by their actions, negligence, guests, pets, improper food storage, accumulated trash, or failure to maintain a clean and sanitary space. Any signs of pest activity must be reported immediately, and users must cooperate with all inspection and treatment requirements. Users may be responsible for reasonable pest-control, cleaning, and repair costs when the infestation is determined to have resulted from their conduct.
6 - Tenants are not to bother or interfere with the landlord for any reason whatsoever; they are to go through the property management for any issues or concerns or rental matters.

7. Barbecues, Open Flames, and Exterior Installations
Barbecues, grills, smokers, fire pits, or other open-flame cooking or heating devices are not permitted anywhere on the premises. Satellite dishes, antennas, solar panels, electrical equipment, or similar devices may not be attached to the ADU or installed anywhere on the property without prior written approval from property management and compliance with applicable law.

8. Trash, Debris, and Cleanliness
The ADU and all surrounding areas must be kept clean, sanitary, and free of trash, debris, discarded belongings, food waste, hazardous materials, and other clutter. All garbage must be placed in the designated containers, and containers must be used and stored according to property-management instructions. Bulky items may not be left on the premises or beside trash containers.

9. Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs
Vehicle maintenance, servicing, dismantling, oil changes, fluid changes, mechanical work, painting, or repairs are prohibited on the grounds, driveway, and all parking areas. A disabled or inoperable vehicle may not remain on the premises without written authorization from property management. Reasonable emergency measures needed to move a disabled vehicle are permitted.

10. Repairs and Modifications to the ADU
Tenants, occupants, and guests may not perform or arrange repairs, alterations, painting, installations, or improvements to the ADU. All maintenance concerns and repair requests must be promptly reported to property management through the approved communication channel. Only property-management-authorized personnel may perform work on the ADU, except for reasonable emergency actions necessary to prevent immediate injury or additional property damage.

11. Vehicle Washing
Washing, detailing, pressure-washing, or rinsing vehicles is not permitted on the driveway, grounds, or any other area of the property. Vehicle-cleaning products, soaps, oils, or chemicals may not be discharged onto the premises or into storm drains.

13. Pools, Play Equipment, and Outdoor Toys
Pools of any kind—including inflatable, portable, wading, or above-ground pools—are prohibited in the backyard and elsewhere on the premises. Trampolines, swing sets, slides, play structures, sports equipment, water toys, and other outdoor recreational items may not be installed, set up, used, or stored on the grounds without prior written approval from property management.

14. Plants and Cannabis Cultivation
Outdoor plants, planter boxes, garden beds, pots, or landscaping materials may not be placed or maintained anywhere on the grounds. Plants may be kept indoors only if they do not cause moisture damage, mold, pests, odors, staining, or other property damage. Growing, cultivating, processing, or harvesting cannabis or marijuana is prohibited anywhere inside the ADU or on the premises.

15. Backyard and Exterior Alterations
No changes may be made to the backyard, landscaping, grounds, exterior surfaces, fences, gates, walkways, irrigation systems, lighting, or other outdoor areas without prior written approval from property management. Prohibited activities include digging, planting, painting, drilling, mounting items, constructing structures, installing decorations or equipment, and removing or relocating existing property features.

16. No Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is not permitted anywhere on the premises. Tenants, occupants, and guests may not place, install, use, or store chairs, tables, benches, couches, umbrellas, canopies, or other furniture outside the ADU or anywhere on the grounds.

FHA Requirements
1- Ask: What are the requirements for buying a home under FHA. Specifically answer the following:
- Is the borrower required to occupy the property as their primary residence?
- Does the borrower have to live in the main house, or can they satisfy the occupancy requirement by living in a legally permitted Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on the same property?
- Are there any FHA guidelines, HUD rules, or lender-specific policies that address this situation?
- If the answer depends on factors such as whether the ADU is attached or detached, owner occupancy, property type, or local regulations, explain those distinctions.
- Cite the relevant HUD/FHA guidance where applicable, and distinguish official FHA requirements from common lender overlays or interpretations.

Community solar program?
2- Is the current homeowner currently enrolled in a community solar program?
- If they are enrolled, does the enrollment transfer to the new homeowner, or would I need to enroll separately?
- Is participation required for the new homeowner, or is it optional?
- What are the monthly or annual costs, fees, or subscription charges associated with the program?
- What are the requirements, obligations, or contract terms (such as minimum commitment, cancellation policy, credit checks, or utility account requirements)?
- What benefits or savings does the program provide?
- Are there any documents, agreements, or disclosures I should review before closing on the home?

3 - Community solar program, obtain:
-The last 12 months of complete SMUD bills.
-The page showing the SolarShares Charge, Credit and Subtotal.
-The property’s assigned SolarShares capacity in kilowatts.
-The original enrollment agreement and activation date.
-Confirmation of whether the program covers only the ADU or the entire property.
-Written confirmation from SMUD that the obligation transfers to you.