Minimum Use & Location Requirements For Rental Housing

Division Of Student Affairs; Western Michigan University

MINIMUM FLOOR AREAS & ROOM DIMENSIONS

• 450 square feet of habitable area.

• 2 or more habitable rooms - 1 at least 120 square feet.

• Other habitable rooms except kitchen at least 70 square feet.

• 70 square foot bedrooms only one occupant.

• 50 square feet per person in shared bedrooms.

• Rooms other than kitchen not less than 7 feet in any dimension.

• Hallways 36 inches wide.

STUDIO APARTMENTS

• 1 room at least 150 square feet.

• Separate bathroom with water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower.

• Sink in kitchen and area for cooking and refrigeration appliances, hot and cold water.

OCCUPANCY LIMITS

150 square feet of habitable space for the first occupant and 100 square feet for each additional occupant.

CEILING HEIGHTS

• 7'6'' ceiling height required for living and sleeping areas.

• 7' for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

BASEMENTS

The basement can only be used as a habitable room if it is impervious to leakage and insulated, windows are equal to 10% of the floor area and are above the grade of the ground, and the openable window area equals 45% of the window area unless an approved mechanical ventilation system is in operation.

EXITS

One exit is required for first-floor dwelling units and basement units with direct exit to the exterior at grade level. First-floor units erected before Nov. 27, 1972 need access to one exit from the first floor.

When two or more exits are required, they should be remote from each other to minimize the possibility that both could be blocked by fire or other emergency.

ADDRESSES

The address should be clearly visible from the street fronting the property.