Los Angeles Housing Rules - Max Number of Occupants?

Question

I recently heard that Los Angeles has a 6 occupant rule for single family houses in Los Angeles. I recently saw a 10 bedroom house that would be perfect for me to rent to students but if it is a 6 person max it kills the change of this. Anyone know? I tried doing some searches but didn't find anything.

Greg M. · Answer

I can't say if this has been changed, but LA Municipal Codes 91.1207 and  91.1208 set limits based on the size of the units.

• 70 to 119 sq-ft is 2  people
• 120 to  169 sq-ft is 3 people
• 170 to 219 sq-ft is 4 people
• An additional  person for every additional 50 sq-ft.

As a landlord you may set a reasonable restriction on number of people. This reasonable amount is generally viewed as 2 people per bedroom plus 1. Therefore, 21 people in a 10 bedroom house.

There very well may be restrictions on how many unrelated people in a single house. Rules may be different for homes than for apartment buildings.

Michael T. · Answer

@David Waddleton added the LA Municipal Code these are correct.  There is not a restriction of occupants, however, you do have to follow the below Housing Code.

Section 503.2 of the Housing Code creates an occupancy formula based on the square footage of “livable” area within the separate interest:

“Dwelling units and congregate residences shall have at least one room that shall have not less than 120 square feet of floor area. Other habitable rooms, except kitchens, shall have an area of not less than 70 square feet.  Where more than two persons occupy a room used for sleeping purposes, the required floor area shall be increased at the rate of 50 square feet for each occupant in excess of two.”

KJ L. · Answer

Although there are rules established in LA regarding max occupancy, we've actually tried to report an occupancy violation (almost 22 people living in a duplex -_-) however the city declined to take any action. They told us that they are not enforcing those restrictions because of the housing shortage -______-.  So based on that experience, I would suggest if youre going to move forward with your plan, make the property livable and pleasant so students wont attempt to report you (even though the city is apparently doing nothing).   Also check the zoning on the house, if there are 10 bedrooms, it sounds like the property is large enough to be zoned for more than SFR. Check Zimas for details.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

There are articles talking about how Landlords can set limits but I've never heard of LA setting limits per property. I searched the internet and also find no such limit. I think someone is pulling your chain.

Contact the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety.

David W. · Answer

Thank you guys I am researching this and will find out what LA says! The owner was telling me that he had to reduce his count from 10 tenants to 6 because LA. I'll find out facts and report back.

Ani Pogarian · Answer

Hi David,

Did you ever get an answer to your question? I'm in a similar situation and wanted to get some info on it.

Thanks,

Ani

Los Angeles Housing Rules - Max Number of Occupants?

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