Which Types of Properties Qualify As Single-Family Dwellings?

Hello, this is Deirdre Brown your settlement agent serving the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Today we are going to talk about what types of properties are covered under the July 3rd, 2018 Single Family TOPA law. The Single-Family Home Exemption Amendment Act of 2018 applies to single-family dwellings and single-family dwellings with accessory units.  For this law, a single-family dwelling can be attached or detached and it includes individual units within condominium buildings and cooperatives. A single-family dwelling with an accessory unit is a single-family dwelling that has a rental unit that has a separate kitchen and bathroom that is separate from the principal dwelling this can include basement units carriage houses or garages.  However, it the property is licensed and/or has a C of O for two units, it is not a single-family with an accessory dwelling unit.  It is a two-unit property and this law does not apply. Multi-unit TOPA laws apply. For properties with 2 or more units, the original provisions of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act of 1980 apply. 

If you have TOPA questions please reach out to me at lexicontitle.com