zoning issues
 

I live in a 5 bedroom house very close to my college. My dad bought the house, and rents it to 4 of my closest friends. Over the summer we did some remodeling, and so a week or two ago an inspector came by and looked at the work being done, just to make sure that it was all in code so far, and about half way through he casulay mentioned that due to zoning that we can only have 3 unrelated people living in the house. While he was here he didn't see any of the bedrooms, but acording to our contractor, when he comes back he will look at the entire house.

I am a bit worried, and don't really know what my plan of action should be. We live directly next to an apartment building, and there are a lot of houses in the area that are rented to college students..

It would totally suck if that guy comes back and kicks some of my friends out.. what do people think? any ideas?

Thanks!

Don't take his word for it. Go look at the zoning laws.

There are probably different rules for renting vs. just living there.
You can probably work with that.

It is very likely he is looking for a little $. I have had two friends who were inspectors and they were extremely dishonest in their jobs. I agree that you should learn about your own zoning laws if you are worried.
Secondly, if you need to, move some stuff out of the extra bedrooms into the other bedrooms. Make an appearance of just 4 people.
Or claim one guy is your cousin...

"This is Dave's room. My brother. Dave."

"And this is Pete's room. That's my brother Pete."

"And here's Sarah's room. My brother Sarah."

Have a bonding ceremony so that you can tell the inspector that you are in a committed homosexual relationship with your roommates? :D