Can 3 people legally live in a studio apartment? (Seattle: leasing, appliances)

[sidburnd1]

Can two people and a child (over 3yrs) legally live in a studio apartment (320-360sq ft)?
What are the occupancy laws?

Also: Would one bedrooms be allowed (sleeping in living room)?

[DevanXL]

Section 503(b) of the Uniform Housing Code sets the minimum size for a dwelling. Each dwelling must have at least one room measuring at least 120 square feet; and all other habitable rooms (excluding kitchens) must be at least 70 square feet. The minimum dwelling size determines the maximum occupancy rate. Two people can occupy a minimum-sized dwelling. For each additional occupant, the minimum must increase by 50 square feet. The Code acknowledges that certain dwellings may be configured to allow a third person to comfortably sleep in non-bedroom space, and that infants and very young children can share their parents' room.

[Hemlock140]

There are no residential occupancy police out checking for the number of occupants. Even a 1 bedroom with a family of 12 is not likely to be bothered unless they become nuisance and are reported by a neighbor.

[AmFest]

Originally Posted by DevanXL

Section 503(b) of the Uniform Housing Code sets the minimum size for a dwelling. Each dwelling must have at least one room measuring at least 120 square feet; and all other habitable rooms (excluding kitchens) must be at least 70 square feet. The minimum dwelling size determines the maximum occupancy rate. Two people can occupy a minimum-sized dwelling. For each additional occupant, the minimum must increase by 50 square feet. The Code acknowledges that certain dwellings may be configured to allow a third person to comfortably sleep in non-bedroom space, and that infants and very young children can share their parents' room.

Very informative. Thanks for sharing!

[Kristina2243]

Can 3 people live in a studio appartment that is very loud you can here them on the second floor from first floor anf reported this too mangement 6ctimes nothingng has been done and 2 off these people are not on the lease what can i do

[flyingsaucermom]

We did that, but it wasn't in WA. The leasing office said we had to sign any and all leases on that particular unit before our son turned 18 months. Once he reached that age the apartment would no longer be an option. Our unit was also a little bit bigger, closer to 400 sq ft and it had a space that fit a crib, changing table and rocker. It could have been it's own room had there been a 4th wall and a window. I hated the location and the orientation of the apartment but it was efficient and affordable.

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by Kristina2243

Can 3 people live in a studio appartment that is very loud you can here them on the second floor from first floor anf reported this too mangement 6ctimes nothingng has been done and 2 off these people are not on the lease what can i do

It meets the minimum space and occupancy standards, for three occupants, if the floor space (minus bathroom, closets, cabinets, appliances, etc., is 200 square feet or more. Note: an infant under one-years old is not counted as an "occupant".

For noise complaints (City of Seattle), see: https://www.seattle.gov/police/need-...ise-complaints

As a final resort, you could break your lease and then sue the landlord in small claims court to get your deposit back, on the grounds that their inaction rendered your unit unhabitable, hoping that you get a receptive judge.

[bloom]

I think Chrissy, Jack, and Janet did that.

[azmemories]

Originally Posted by DevanXL

Section 503(b) of the Uniform Housing Code sets the minimum size for a dwelling. Each dwelling must have at least one room measuring at least 120 square feet; and all other habitable rooms (excluding kitchens) must be at least 70 square feet. The minimum dwelling size determines the maximum occupancy rate. Two people can occupy a minimum-sized dwelling. For each additional occupant, the minimum must increase by 50 square feet. The Code acknowledges that certain dwellings may be configured to allow a third person to comfortably sleep in non-bedroom space, and that infants and very young children can share their parents' room.

Except for the part about children, I am not sure of the logic behind these laws, which explains why:

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

There are no residential occupancy police out checking for the number of occupants.

If adults are willing to reside in cramped conditions without bothering their neighbors, the law is saying no, it is better for you to be in a cardboard box on the sidewalk?

[azmemories]

Originally Posted by bloom

I think Chrissy, Jack, and Janet did that.

No, they were in a two bedroom.