Landlord Question and Answer Forum

How many tenants are the maximum allowed to rent a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house?

California's housing statutes do not state how many occupants a landlord may accept per rental unit. The area is a subject of continuing dispute. Basically it is left to good judgement.

Posted by Donna , NC on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

I think it is not unreasonable for there to be 2 people to each bedroom, so in the case of a 4 bdrm house, 8 people would not be unreasonable. I understand that as the owner you probably prefer less people, but I don't think you would win in court only on the basis that 8 people are too many for a 4 bdrm house.

Posted by Barbara H, CA on Friday, April 24, 2009

Based on the information I have Per the UHC Uniform Housing Code. A room that the landlord has "designed or intended" to be used as a bedroom must be at least 70 square feet for one person, plus an additional 50 square feet for each additional occupant: One person: 70 sq ft, two people: 120 sq ft three people 170 sq ft So you could base your decision on amount of tenants in a 4 br house on what the UHC states.

Posted by Kimberly M, CA on Wednesday, May 6, 2009

You can check with the local Fire Department. Locally, they say 300 square feet per person in a a home. And your local housing department.

Posted by KJ B, CA on Wednesday, June 17, 2009