Occupancy Standards in Louisiana

[Gerald Jarreau]

I have a one bedroom condo I would like to rent out. I don't want to discriminate against people with children. I am unsure as to what the law permits. I think the old rule is two people per bedroom, but there has been some discussion as to whether the living room can be counted as a sleeping room. I honestly have no clue. Should it be written like this for a one bedroom condo?

"The Tenant agrees that the premises shall be occupied by

no more than _2_ persons, _1 or 2_ of

which are adults over 18 and _0 or 1_ of which are children under 18 years of age"

[Michele Fischer]

I would do some on-line investigation for your city/county/state to see if there are any rules specific to your area. Try the fire marshal. Allowing too many could cause increased fire hazard (people to escape, combustibles in unit) and put more wear and tear on the unit, being too limiting can open discrimination claims and put affordable housing out of the reach of the very low income.

HUD seems to be 2 per bedroom plus one in the living room, but I say set it at what seems reasonable to you, publish it, and consistently enforce it.

I would word it this way: Number of adults (over 18) limited to two; total family size limited to three.

Other options to evaluate occupancy:

Square feet. Total hospitable space: exclude bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and storage. Include bedrooms, living, den, bonus, and dining. 150 sq. ft. for first person and 100 sq. ft. for each additional.

70 sq.ft. for one occupant per room. 100 sq.ft. each room for two occupants.