Attic bedroom question

[Tim Kaminski]

BP,

Looking at an old 1860s home for long term buy and hold that is listed as a 2 bedroom but definitely has 3. The third “bedroom” is on the other side of the hall on the 3rd floor and I believe may not be considered a bedroom due to height of ceiling being low? It’s a large room with 4 windows, a closet, but a sloping ceiling that at its lowest point is probably 5’10”.

Numbers only work if I rent out as a 3 bedroom. Will I get in trouble if I list this as 3 bedroom when renting out? What issues can I expect to run into?

Thanks,

Tim

[Kenneth Garrett]

@Tim Kaminski

The bedroom must meet all of the requirements.  At least one must meet the emergency escape size of 5.7 square feet when in the open position.  Need smoke detector.  Meet the minimum ceiling requirements of a least 7 feet for 50% of the room.  How big is the room?  Room dimensions only count if walls are at least 5 feet in height and meet the other mentioned requirements.  Typically need 100 square feet, but that can vary.  Check with your local building department.

If you proceed without proper approvals and a fire occurs you could be in trouble for not following the rules.  Insurance company would reject claim.  Although this is unlikely it is a possibility if the room was not code compliant.