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Does a bedroom have to have a closet to be legally called a bedroom?

What if a room does not have a closet, can it be a bedroom?
Asked By Al | i don't know, FL | 1820 views | Remodeling | Updated 1 month ago
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Semi-Pro
23 Answers
Adrian Tridel

Adrian Edwards

(33)

Truly it depends on the area. In Florida you can have a Ikea style closet and if it is attached to the wall, it is a closet.
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Novice
2 Answers
Trachele Shields

JPAR Real Estate City and Beach

(8)

According to section 200 of the Florida Building Code, a bedroom is defined as a room that can be used for sleeping and that:

For site-built dwellings has a minimum of 70 square feet of conditioned space
For manufactured homes is constructed according to the standards of the Housing and Urban Development and has a minimum of 50 square feet of floor area;
Is located along an exterior wall;
Has a closet and a door or an entrance where a door could be reasonable installed; and
Has an emergency means of escape and rescue opening to the outside in accordance with the Florida Building Code.
A room may not be considered a bedroom if it is used to access another room except a bathroom or closet.

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Pro
91 Answers
Lisa and Greg Harris

eXp Realty, LLC

(42)

This depends on several things. The area and location. The age of the home - historic homes often do not have to have a closet. The egress of a window and door access and having a minimum of a 5-foot clearance at the edge of the room.(such as a bonus room with slanted walls) A good rule of thumb is if you can not put a twin-size bed in the room with walking space around it and it has a window and have a closet or room for a wardrobe.... than it might not be considered a closet. A Local REALTOR or Appraiser can give you more local requirements.
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Rising Star
26 Answers
Joanne Patience

Iron Valley Real Estate North Florida

(5)

Yes, a closet or some attached wardrobe piece must be present; a window and door to be classified as a bedroom. If the bedroom is on the lower level or basement; must have an egress window. (Florida)
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Michelle Hatfield

EXIT Royal Realty

No, a bedroom does not necessarily have to have a closet to be legally called a bedroom. The requirements for a room to be considered a bedroom vary by jurisdiction and building codes, but generally, a bedroom must have certain features such as a window, a door, and a minimum size. The presence of a closet is not always a requirement. However, some local building codes may require a closet or other storage space in a bedroom, so it is important to check with your local building department for specific requirements.
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Novice
1 Answer
Nick Calvert

Atkinson Realty

(21)

According to our MLS in Hampon Roads Virginia closets are not a requirement. There is a square foot minimum and the room must have ingress and egress (a door and a window)
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Pro
123 Answers
Chris Yochum

Dickson Realty

(24)

In some states it does. I believe in Florida it may. In my state you must have at least a temporary closet space to be considered a bedroom.
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Novice
8 Answers
Agni Mitra

Keller Williams Arizona Realty

In most states a bedroom has to have a closet to be legally called a bedroom. However, there are some exceptions like historic homes which did not have closets in the time period it was built.
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Semi-Pro
47 Answers
Lynne Pruell

Realty 100 LLC

(16)

the main factors that determine whether a room can legally be considered a bedroom include its size, shape, access to natural light and ventilation, and the presence of a means of egress (such as a window or door) that meets certain size and height requirements.

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Rising Star
11 Answers
Claudia Looi

Keller Williams Landmark II

(44)

I’m a New York realtor, and in NYC a bedroom does not need a closet to be legally called a bedroom. Closets are not part of the legal definition. What matters is that the room is at least 80 square feet, has proper ceiling height, and includes a window for natural light and ventilation. It also needs a door so someone can enter and exit the room normally. If those conditions are met, a room can be considered a legal bedroom even without a closet.
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Novice
2 Answers
Tiffany Shleifer

Premiere Property Group

(22)

Yes, It must have a closet and a window.

More Information

  • Does a Bedroom Need a Closet to Be Legally Considered a Bedroom?

    Bedroom parameters vary from state to state.  Some require a built in closet, others allow a wardrobe to be considered a closet, and still others don’t require a closet in a bedroom. If you’re remodeling or trying to sell your home, it’s essential to know your local requirements for what is considered a bedroom. 

    That said, let’s dive into some basic criteria for bedrooms that are standard, no matter where you are located.  Most bedrooms are required to have: 

    • Minimum square footage (usually at least 70-80 square feet).

    • Means of egress, such as a window or door that allows for escape in case of emergency.

    • Ceiling height, typically around 7 feet in most areas.

    • Heating and cooling access to maintain comfortable temperatures.

    In many parts of the U.S., building codes focus on safety rather than storage.

    In some regions, closets are not part of the legal definition of a bedroom. Historically, homes—especially older ones—were designed without built-in closets, but typically, these homes have a wardrobe or armoire.  Today, closets are more of a modern expectation.  

    If you’re buying or selling a home, check your local building codes to clarify what constitutes a bedroom in your area. While a closet may not be mandatory, meeting safety standards and other local regulations is essential for classifying the space as a bedroom.

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