Skip to content
×
Try PRO Free Today!
BiggerPockets Pro offers you a comprehensive suite of tools and resources
Market and Deal Finder Tools
Deal Analysis Calculators
Property Management Software
Exclusive discounts to Home Depot, RentRedi, and more
$0
7 days free
$828/yr or $69/mo when billed monthly.
$390/yr or $32.5/mo when billed annually.
7 days free. Cancel anytime.
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Medium-Term Rentals
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated 11 months ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

5
Posts
1
Votes

Different occupancy limits for children vs adults?

Megan Fitzgerald
Posted

I'm renting out a fully furnished renovated 3BR 1.5 bath townhouse in Philly, advertising on AirBNB and Furnished Finder. 

My first renter is a family with 4 kids. I'd stated the occupancy limit on the property is 4 adults and was a bit unprepared when he filled out the application with 6 total people (himself, wife, and 4 kids). But the laws seem OK with 6 as an upper limit for 3BRs so I went ahead with the rental. 

I'm OK with having a family with a few kids (6 people is pushing the limit, but a number of families on our block have 3 kids in the same size home and it's fine).  But I truly can't have 5-6 adults in the space-- it's only about 1100 sq ft. Adult roommates cohabitating on my block tend to live 2 per building and keep the third bedroom, which is small, as an office or guest room. 

I'm wondering how to advertise the space going forward. The space is most appropriate for a couple with 1-3 children, 3 single adults, or even a couple with a grandparent or nanny and a kid or 2.

From what I'm reading, the law protects families with kids from discrimination, but can I get in trouble for doing the reverse and allowing (and potentially advertising) a higher occupancy rate if people have babies and children than if all occupants are adults? 

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

17,429
Posts
30,070
Votes
Russell Brazil
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Washington, D.C.
30,070
Votes |
17,429
Posts
Russell Brazil
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Washington, D.C.
ModeratorReplied

General HUD guidelines are for 2 people per bedroom plus 1. So a 3 bedroom apartment 7 people can live there if they are related.

Unrelated people generally will need to adhere to local regulations on unrelated people. In Philadelphia I believe that's capped at 3 unrelated people.

business profile image
District Invest Group
5.0 stars
44 Reviews

Loading replies...