NJ occupancy laws for families that buy (not rent) (apartment, for rent)

[TheCastleXSearch]

Hey all!

We'd like to save a bunch of money and are considering buying a 1-bedroom condo for 2 adults and 4-year-old son. We'd put our bedroom in the living room with a curtain separating the space and son would have the bedroom. We are also considering buying a 2 bedroom and do the same thing but instead utilizing the 1 bedroom as a storage unit (save on external personal storage unit). Would someone report us to CPS if we had our bedroom in the living room? I suppose if that was the case, we could use the living room as a storage unit and separate with a curtain instead?

We know we could not *rent* a 1 bedroom since NJ state & child protection laws mandate we have to rent a 2-bedroom (he's over the age of 3 and we all need own bedroom), however, what about buying?

Anyone know how I can find out the laws regarding this? (I did do a Google search, but didn't find a straight answer).

Thanks!

[HudsonCoNJ]

Every poor family I knew growing up (myself included) used the living room as a bedroom. None of us were ever penalized for it.

[TheCastleXSearch]

Agreed, I know it happens, I just didn't know if HOA's or state laws prohibit it?

[Mightyqueen801]

I didn't know that was a law. We lived in the one-bedroom we had until my daughter was 4-1/2.

A friend of mine grew up in a one-bedroom in Brooklyn with immigrant parents. He lived on the couch in the living room until he was 18 and went to college.

[TheCastleXSearch]

Yes, there is a law for renting....when children are born into a 1 bedroom it is okay and even up to a certain age, I believe 3, ...but we want to buy and he is already 4.

[Gerania]

I don't think New Jersey has such a law, but the HOA might not let you do that.

[bookspage]

If you're buying a condo in an HOA, I would want to read the by-laws really well before you buy. Last thing you want to do is get stuck with a condo where you aren't conforming to the rules

[bkfood]

I grew up in Brooklyn. Using a living room as a bedroom happens a lot with immigrant families (including mine). Also, a number of college graduates in NYC split a 1 BR apartment (each person to a room) to save money. Don’t know if there are laws in a NJ.