When you look for a rental property, you might face certain limitations. One of the most common is an occupancy limit. That's a restriction on how many people can live in the home. Why do these exist? What is their importance?
You might think that landlords don't have a right to refuse you an apartment or house you want to rent. In some cases, that's true. However, occupancy limits are an exception to this rule. At the end of the day, they can help you remain safer in your own home.
Occupancy Limits Related To Housing Law
Housing laws set occupancy limits for many apartments and rental homes. That helps keep not only the renter, but also neighbors and others safe around the property. Single individuals often face fewer limitations in the properties they want to occupy. However, groups and families might have to look for larger spaces to meet their extra risks. That's because more people in small spaces often create hazards.
Often, landlords can refuse to rent to you if the cumulative number of people in your home exceeds a safe quota. Still, restrictions exist on the limits landlords can set. For example, they can't set unreasonably low limits on who can live in the home. In other words, they cannot generally limit three-bedroom homes to only two occupants.
Furthermore, landlords cannot turn individuals away simply because they have children. The number of children (and adults) in the home, however, may trigger occupancy rules.
Why We Need Occupancy Limits
Don't underestimate the importance of occupancy limits on homes. At the end of the day, occupancy limits revolve around safety. That's important for everyone.
Let's look at an example. A family of five living in a single-bedroom apartment might find the space crowded. This scenario might also create safety risks.
The occupants might generate too much waste, creating a health risk in the home and surrounding areas. Should a fire break out, the overcrowding might stymie evacuations.
The bottom line is that in case of an emergency, trying to get help might become chaotic. That could put all parties in the small space in danger. That's why occupancy limits exist. They are there to help you remain safe.
While you can't face discrimination in housing in most cases, you can encounter limits in where your family can rent. Therefore, when searching for a home, check your local housing laws. Your knowledge might help you avoid potentially-harmful situations. This, in turn, can make you a more secure renter.
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