Renting a 3/2 to a family of 6 wise move?

[John Khadiyev]

Hello,
I am thinking about renting a 3/2 1500sq ft home to a family of 6. Four kids ages from 7-12 and two adults. That's two people per room. Is that considered wise to do? Is that full occupancy or more than recommended? Or am just looking for a problem.

Thank you
John

[Bill Gulley]

Hi, It's best in my opinion to follow HUD standards as a landlord. In this case, at the ages of the kids it would be fine if you have two girls and two boys and the rooms meet or exceed (I believe it's) 72sq ft for each person or that bed room being at least 144 sq ft. There is no sq. ft minimum for the two adults.

A boy and girl can not share a bedroom after the age of (I think) 6 or 7. Special needs kids have different requirements.

And, what you see as a 3/2 with a den might be in their eyes as a 3 bedroom with a master for mom and dad if the use the den for themselves and use free standing clothes units.

IMO, you might be pushing the envelope here at 1500 sq ft, many have grown up in smaller places but if your lease is expected to be 3 years (I mean how long do you want to keep a tenant?) the kids at 15, 16 will be needing more room.....usually. Expect too, twice the wear and tear of a family with 2 kids, which is probably the right size for your home. Rents can be adjusted upward for more people, but don't price yourself as a 4 bedroom either.

I would certainly talk to them and see how they address the size issue for their family before renting it. Good luck!