The Capacity of a Two-Bedroom Apartment: A Brief Guide!

Too many people in the same house may make it congested and challenging to live safely. So, most rental apartments have occupancy limits.

If you’re moving and need to know how many people can live in a two-bedroom apartment, we got some answers for you. As per the federal government’s standards, four people can live safely in a two-bedroom apartment.

However, many landlords permit more people to live together. It depends on the policies and what has stated in the lease agreement.

It’s tough to give a definite and accurate answer to this question. But in this article, we’ll share some helpful information to navigate you toward a solution. 

How Many People Can Live in a Two-Bedroom Apartment Safely?

It is generally recommended that no more than four people should occupy a two-bedroom apartment. This is based on the assumption that two people will occupy each bedroom, one person per bed.

However, the actual number of people who can safely live in a two-bedroom apartment will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the apartment, the ages and number of people living in the apartment, and the availability of amenities such as bathrooms, storage space, and common areas.

In general, it is important to consider the comfort and safety of all occupants when determining the appropriate number of people to live in a two-bedroom apartment.

It may be necessary to limit the number of people living in the apartment if the space is small or if there are not enough amenities to accommodate the number of people living there.

Federal Government Standards for Occupancy

The Department of Housing and Urban Development rules for community safety and development assistance. It has set a Fair Housing Act, which provides guidelines for safe occupancy in an apartment. 

The law recommends two people per bedroom in a living apartment or house. So, if it’s a two-bedroom apartment, according to federal government standards, four people should live in that apartment. 

However, it’s not a rule that should be strictly followed. It’s a guideline for the safety of the dwellers. A landlord can limit occupancy in his apartment depending on this rule. 

Also, this act doesn’t allow breaking a family. The standards encourage the landlord to welcome families to live together. So, if the number of family members crosses this two-per-one regulation, it’s often permitted. 

Can Occupancy Limits Vary?

Occupancy limits can vary depending on the state law or what the landlord permits. Many states or cities have many occupancy laws. Some may strictly follow the 2+1 rule, whereas others may show flexibility.

The occupancy limit depends on the apartment’s size, the people living in it, and the comfort. 

For instance, a New York City housing maintenance code says, “every person in an apartment or a one or two-family home must have a livable area of no less than 80 square feet.”

It limits the occupants living in the apartment by the size of the apartment. However, the Boward County Code states that the same area for the first occupant should be not less than 150 square feet, and for every additional people, it shouldn’t be less than 100 square feet.

As you can see, the limits vary for different state and city codes. Moreover, a landlord also has the power to restrict occupancy. 

So, it’s better to talk with the landlord about that area’s codes before moving into a new apartment. 

What Is the 2+1 Rule for Occupancy?

The 2+1 rule is another widespread regulation for occupancy in apartments. It states that two people can live in one bedroom, and one extra person can live in the house. 

However, this rule is based on the area of the apartment. An apartment that has more bedrooms is considered to be large. And so other rooms can be regarded as or made into a bedroom for an extra person, and he can live safely. 

If we apply the 2+1 rule in a two-bedroom apartment, we can finally be down with five people in the apartment. 

Can the Landlord Limit the Occupancy?

Yes, the landlord has legal rights to limit the occupancy. But they cannot break any strict law enforced by either local, state, or federal.

Landlords are encouraged to be more flexible with the family. That means, if a couple is having a baby and that means an extra occupant – the landlord cannot simply refuse them. 

However, if an extra person moves in, the landlord has the right to enforce the capacity limitation. But it should be enclosed in the lease agreement. 

Landlords have this right because an extra person can wear and tear the apartment more. There can be safety issues and higher utility bills. But the landlords should be reasonable, depending on the property’s size, condition, and area. 

How Many Guests Are Allowed in a Two-Bedroom House?

It relies on the arrangement that you had with your landlord. But generally, you can have two guests per bedroom. So four guests in a two-bedroom apartment are often permittable.

However, if the apartment is small or not empty, it’s reasonable that the landlord won’t allow you many guests. So you should follow the 2+1 rule, even with the guests. 

Can a Guest Become a Tenant?

A guest becomes a tenant when he overstays his welcome. Generally, a guest is called a guest if he lives with you for a maximum period of 14 days in six months.

A landlord has a right to know who’s living in their apartment. And if an extra person stays for months, he can even impose additional charges. 

It can be a senior, a relative, a friend, a full-time nanny, or anyone. But if the person lives for an extended period, the landlord can see him as a tenant. 

It’s because the extra person is using water, electricity, or other services. So, it’s reasonable for the landlord to inquire about that long-term guest and take action. 

So, keep in mind to look after your guest. And if he overstays, make sure you let the landlord know and do not violate the lease agreement. 

The Final Thought

We hope this article gave you enough information to resolve the query. To summarize, you can have four people in those two bedrooms and an extra person in the house.

So, a total of five people can live in that apartment. 

Some FAQs

Can the Landlord Charge Extra if More People Move In?

Yes, the landlord has the right to charge extra if more people move into the apartment.

For example, a landlord usually increases the rent by 10% for each extra person in California. Sometimes, you may have to add the new person’s name as an occupant in the lease agreement. 

Can a Family of 6 Live in a Two-Bedroom House?

Many rules limit the number of people dwelling in a flat. Generally, the federal government standard says two people per bedroom. And with the 2+1 formula, five people can live in an apartment with two bedrooms.

However, if the landlord permits, six people can live too. So ask the landlord clearly before moving in. 

Can A Family Reside in a One-Bedroom Apartment?

Two people can live in one bedroom, depending on the capacity of the bedroom. However, many cities have adopted the ‘two plus one rule,’ which states that two people per bedroom and one person in the household can live safely.

So that means a family of three can live in a one-bedroom apartment.

Does a Child Count as a Tenant?

A child under 18 years old does not count as a tenant. Tenants sign a contract containing legal terms, and occupants are permitted to reside in the apartment.

Children live under their parents, so they are occupants, not tenants. 

Can a Landlord Evict Me Because I Have a Baby?

It depends on the lease or the tenancy agreement. Most apartments have a limited maximum of people living.

And if having a baby is crossing that limit and violating the agreement, the landlord can evict you. However, some can be generous and let you live for a particular time.