What is a legal bedroom in Minnesota? This is a topic of some debate when looking at older homes. What is the minimum size? Does it need to have a closet? What is the definition of an egress window? I reviewed the Minneapolis Ordinance Code for the following definitions. I will make an assumption that many other cities have similar definitions.
To be a legal bedroom in Minnesota it must have the following qualities/requirements (I am paraphrasing from the Minneapolis City code):
- Every sleeping room below the 4th floor shall have at least one (1) window or exterior door approved for emergency exit or rescue.
- Any window used for egress must have at least 6 square feet of glass.
- The window must open at least 20 inches in width and 24 inches in height to allow egress.
- The window must not be more than 48″ from the floor.
- All habitable rooms must be provided with natural light by means of windows or skylights with not less than 1/2 of the required window/skylight area shall be operable to provide natural ventilation.
- Every window opening to an outdoor space must have a screen and any door opening to an outdoor space must have a screen door with self-closing device.
- There must be at least 2 separate floor or wall duplex electrical outlets available in the room.
- Habitable rooms shall have heating facilities that can safely and adequately maintain the room at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit between October 1 and April 13th.
- At least one-half of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of seven and one-half (7 1/2) feet. However, in 1.5 story homes attic type bedrooms may be located above the first floor of each dwelling unit if such attic type bedrooms have a minimum ceiling height of not less than 7 feet over fifty 50% of its floor area and shall be provided with a stairway in full compliance with the building code.
- Rooms used exclusively for sleeping purposes shall have the following minimum superficial floor area: 70 square feet for one person, 90 square feet for 2 persons and the required superficial floor area shall be increased at the rate of 50 square feet for each occupant in excess of 2. However, occupancy of a sleeping room shall not exceed 4 persons.
So what about the closets??? I was unable to find anything in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, or Section 8 code even mention a bedroom needing a closet. I do know that many people believe they do and I have even had some Section 8 inspectors tell me they needed a closet. I do know that FHA and VA require closets to consider it a bedroom, but I was unable to find anything in writing saying that when renting, you need a closet to consider it a bedroom. If you can find anything in writing, add a comment to this post with the URL of where you found the rule.
Thank you.
Very helpful.
If it makes you feel any better, I had a conversation with another investor group, and they can’t find abutting saying that a bedroom needs a cost either.
In the 1800’s a cost was considered a completely separate room and was taxed as such, so very few bedrooms had a closet. Instead they used wardrobes, or an armoire.
I’m in a sticky situation with my lease right now. I rented an apartment, (hastily, might I add. My fault.) And never noticed the amount of flaws it had. 1. Hardly any power outlets. And none grounded. One “bedroom” has no outlets at all. 2. That “bedroom” also doesn’t have a window. 3 the second bedroom has no closet. (If that matters) We currently have a hazard of extension cords throughout the house, seeing as the bathroom and dining room have none at all. Help!
I would start a discussion with the landlord. See what he is willing to do. You didn’t mention what state you are in, but if he won’t resolve that bedroom with no window then you should go to your tenant resources desk at your county court.