Maximum Occupancy in Rental House??

Question

Does anyone know  maximum tenant occupancy in a rental house?

Is it related to number of bedrooms, size, etc?

Thanks!

Bill Gulley · Answer

HUD dictates occupancy in housing and has guidelines as to size of rooms required for a bedroom, as I recall it's 70/80 sq ft at least 7' wide (allowing a bed) and ceiling averaging 7' or more in that calculation (like attic spaces).

There are gender and age requirements, where small girls and boys can double up but older kids must have their own room or be with the same gender. Babies can be in with adult(s).

Adults are not restricted except as to sq ft per person.

Municipalities can have additional requirements, like no more than 3 unrelated parties in a SFD.

A good place to get your requirements is from your public housing authority or section 8 administrator, they should be aware of all housing requirements. :)

Deborah Burian · Answer

@Lewis Clarke - check with your local housing laws, many communities have rules regarding this... for instance, in OKC, you are limited to two persons per bedroom, although if a family has a child after occupying the house that is allowed :-).

Lewis C. · Answer

How about in the case of a student rental? I have a 3/4 bedroom house currently for rent and I had a group of 6/7 students approach me wanting to rent it.

Jeff S. · Answer

Was just reading about that. Some suggest 2 people per bedroom but you need to be very careful when it comes to large families because discriminating against children will get you in serious hot water fast. Read up on Fair Housing and discrimination. Just because a large family can't afford a large house doesn't mean they aren't entitled to housing. That is the problem.