Is it illegal to not have a closet in a bedroom?

Author: Kara Morissette  |  Last update: Sunday, November 23, 2025

Does a legal bedroom need a closet? A bedroom does not need a closet (or a walk-in) to be considered official (forget the en suite bathroom). Your significant other might disagree, but legally, at least in most states, it does not.

Is it legally a bedroom without a closet?

There is no legal requirement for a closet in a bedroom; think of all the pre-1900 homes without closets. They used wardrobes then. Typically a realtor will not count a room without a closet as a bedroom, but, as you said, count it as an office, den, or library.

What to do if a bedroom doesn't have a closet?

There are a few ways you can store clothes in a bedroom without a closet or dresser. You can use a clothing rack, which is a great way to store clothes if you have a small space. You can also use baskets or bins to store clothes. If you have a lot of clothes, you can use a storage ottoman or a chest of drawers.

Should bedrooms have closets?

Officially, a closet is not necessary for the space to be considered a bedroom in for example a housing listing. However, most likely prospective buyers do expect one, especially in new houses.

What is a non-legal bedroom?

In summary, non-conforming bedrooms are rooms that unlawfully serve as bedrooms, as the occupant would lack an easy escape in case of emergency. How to Be a Successful Landlord. Fire Safety for the Home.

Do Bedrooms Need Closets? No!

Why are windowless bedrooms illegal?

According to Section R310 of the International Building Code (and most other building codes), every bedroom needs an operable window that can act as a second means of egress during an emergency—so landlords can't count windowless rooms as bedrooms.

What is the smallest a bedroom can legally be?

Room codes and regulations may vary a little from state to state, but for the most part, bedrooms follow the guidelines found in the International Residential Code (IRC). For a room to count as a true bedroom, it must have at least 70 square feet of floor space with a minimum of 7 feet in one direction.

Do you need a wardrobe in a bedroom?

A wardrobe also provides the opportunity to keep your bedroom neat and tidy. If you have somewhere to put your clothes away, you are less likely to leave them in untidy piles around the bedroom, which can completely spoil not just how the room looks, but also the relaxed vibe you want in your bedroom.

Can a bedroom have no windows?

To be a legal bedroom, the room needs a window that leads directly to the exterior of the home. This is commonly referred to as egress.

Is it legal to turn a living room into a bedroom?

There are none, since in most places you cant legally turn a living room into a bedroom. Rental laws that may apply, if any, will be superseded by local zoning laws and building codes which usually prohibit this.

Why did old houses have no closets?

Understanding the Closet

This kind of closet was indeed rare 200+ years ago for two reasons: 1) People really did not have as many clothes as we do today. 2) People generally stored their clothing in pieces of furniture, such as chests or clothes presses.

Can you have a closet without a door?

The advantages of open closet

More affordable: open closet without doors, of course, will save the cost of custom closet doors, and will also save more space. More convenient: if you do not install the cabinet door, it is more convenient to pick up clothes or organize clothes.

Where should a closet be located in a bedroom?

In most cases, the walk-in closet will be positioned opposite the bed. The most common layout is to have the closet along the entire wall, on the opposite side of the room to the double bed. Another less common but functional alternative is to have the closet in a corner, opposite the legs of the bed.

When a bedroom has no closet?

Without a closet, you can put your clothes in a freestanding wardrobe or armoire, which provides both storage and a decorative element to your bedroom. Alternatively, install a clothing rack or use a combination of dressers and chests of drawers to store folded items.

What counts as a room in a house for tax purposes?

Generally, it is agreed that bedrooms, living rooms, dens, kitchens, and dining rooms are counted as rooms. However, if the dining “room” is a space in a larger living room with a table chandelier, it may not count as a separate room.

What is considered a small bedroom?

Standard Small Bedroom Dimensions

The average small bedroom size in the United States is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet (3 meters by 3 meters), which is equivalent to 100 square feet (9.3 square meters). However, this size can vary depending on the layout of your home and the location of your bedroom.

Does a bedroom require a closet?

Does a legal bedroom need a closet? A bedroom does not need a closet (or a walk-in) to be considered official (forget the en suite bathroom). Your significant other might disagree, but legally, at least in most states, it does not.

Is it unhealthy to sleep in a room with no windows?

If your bedroom is poorly ventilated, CO2 is likely to build up in a way that makes you less comfortable, and even damages your health. Research shows that concentrations of carbon dioxide when people are sleeping are between 3 to 5 times higher in bedrooms where the window is shut.

Can a bedroom have just one window?

The International Building Code requires every bedroom contains at least one egress window that is 5.7 square feet, at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor.

Can you have a bedroom without a dresser?

You can organize a small bedroom without a dresser by taking advantage of unexpected places, like space on the walls (especially inside your closet, if you have one) and under the bed. Visually streamline your bedroom and it will look and feel larger.

Should I turn a bedroom into a closet?

There are many benefits to creating a good-sized walk-in closet. A spacious and nicely appointed owner's room closet is a good selling point. If you have all this and still have a three or four bedroom home, that is the ideal for resale. Another benefit is that you can keep seasonal clothes in one space.

Is it OK to sleep in a closet?

Is it safe to sleep in a closet? Yes, as long as the space is well-ventilated and free from hazards, sleeping in a closet can be safe and comfortable. How do I keep my closet organized while using it as a sleep space? Use storage solutions like bins and shelves to maximize space and keep your belongings tidy.

Can a bedroom have no door?

A bedroom doesn't necessarily need to have a door if it meets the other legal requirements for a bedroom. A door is usually preferred for privacy and safety.

Do built-ins count as a closet?

As per the building code, a closet refers to a small room or chamber that is specifically designed for storage purposes. This can include a built-in closet with ample space for clothes and storage, as well as a standalone wardrobe that can be used for storage.

Is a 10x10 bedroom too small?

A 10x10 room is considered small for a bedroom, especially by modern standards. While it can accommodate essential furniture like a bed, a small wardrobe and a desk or bedside table, the space is limited.

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