Apartment laws (Seattle, Bellevue, Kent: condominium, living, codes)

[mandiandrob]

I have a question. My famaily (myself, husband, and 2 boys 5yrs and 2yrs) Are moving to Washington state in Feb. We have some friends who want to move up there with us to get out of Texas. They also have a little boy who is about 8months. Is it ok to get a 3 bedroom apartment and put all three boys in the same room. given that all boys will have their own bed? This would be a LOT cheaper on us, and we are used to having room mates. If anyone knows the law on this please let me know. Here in Texas it's not a big deal at all. I just want to make sure.

Thanks
Mandi

[svartkatt]

This depends on the local jurisdiction, as land use and housing codes are handled at the local level, and also on the discretion of the property owner. For example in Seattle:

"The Seattle Land Use Code limits the maximum number of people allowed to live together in one dwelling unit when any one of the residents is not related to the others (see SMC 23.84.016). The term “dwelling unit” includes a single-family house, an apartment or condominium, one half of a duplex, and other buildings or parts of buildings arranged as independent living accommodations for one household. There is no limit on the number of members of a single family who can live together in one unit, as long as there is sufficient space according to Housing Code standards."

Note that this is Seattle only, and would not apply to any of the surrounding areas (i.e. Bellevue, Kent, Bothell, etc.), which would have their own local regulations, or to any other city or county in Washington State.