Do Bedrooms Have to Have Closets? What You Need to Know Before Listing, Renovating, or Building
If you’re planning to sell, remodel, or build, one of the most common questions that comes up is: do bedrooms have to have closets? While closets are considered standard in most bedrooms today, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re required by law. Whether you’re preparing for a home appraisal or rethinking your layout, understanding what is considered a bedroom under both building codes and market expectations is essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down the legal definition, local building codes, and real estate considerations that determine whether closets are required, what alternatives exist, and how you can make the most of your floor space and storage space.
What Legally Defines a Bedroom?
National and Local Building Codes
According to national standards like the International Residential Code (IRC), the legal requirements for a bedroom focus on health and safety, not closet space. Here’s what’s typically required for a room to be considered a bedroom:
- Floor area of at least 70 square feet
- A minimum horizontal direction of 7 feet
- Ceiling height of at least 7 feet in half the room
- Minimum window size that allows for emergency escape and natural light
- A minimum opening area for egress, which ensures easy access during emergencies
- A heat source and proper ventilation
- At least one window or door that meets specific criteria for emergency exit
- Smoke detectors and electrical outlets
These bedroom requirements are universal in many U.S. regions that follow the IRC. Nowhere in these building codes is there a mention of a required closet. This is a major surprise for many homeowners, who assume that closet space is a must.
Local Regulations and Exceptions
While national standards don’t require a closet, local regulations sometimes do. For example, San Bruno, California has local codes that require built in closets for rooms to be called bedrooms. That’s why it’s essential to check local building codes and zoning rules. Some municipalities or counties have stricter definitions based on historical housing patterns or density issues.
If you’re planning to convert additional rooms like a den or office into bedrooms, verify that they meet both the IRC and your local regulations before moving forward.
Do Closets Make or Break a Bedroom in Real Estate?
What Real Estate Agents Look For
Even if a room meets all legal requirements, real estate agents often won’t list a room as a bedroom unless it has a closet. In competitive local markets, agents know that buyers expect built in closets. Without one, the room might be marketed as a small room, office, or bonus space instead.
Appraisals and Market Value
Appraisers assess homes based on usability and what’s typical for the market. A room without a closet may still be considered a bedroom, but it could affect the home’s value. Closets add both storage space and perceived functionality. A home with several “bedrooms” lacking closets could raise red flags or require explanation.
Buyer Expectations and Closet Perception
Most buyers expect closets for hanging clothes, seasonal items, or just more space. For them, it’s a matter of common sense. A closet isn’t just about storage, it’s about convenience and comfort. This perception means that while a closet might not be legally required, it’s a big deal in terms of salability.
When Closets Are Required: Local Building Codes to Know
Municipal Requirements That Go Beyond IRC
Some cities, especially those with older housing stock or high-density zoning, require built in closets in bedrooms. Others might include closet requirements in their rental property standards for safety reasons and to prevent over-occupancy.
HOA, Condo Boards, and Rentals
Beyond local codes, homeowner associations and condo boards might enforce stricter definitions. If you’re part of an HOA or looking to rent out a unit, you may need to include closet space in any room that’s considered a bedroom.
Closet Alternatives That Work
Wardrobes, Built-ins, and Furniture Solutions
If you’re dealing with a small room or older home, adding a full closet might not be feasible. In these cases, wardrobes, custom cabinetry, or built in closets can offer a workaround. Freestanding wardrobes or dressers can meet buyer expectations, especially if staged well.
Open Closet Designs
Open shelving and hanging racks can be designed to look intentional and modern. This is especially useful for urban apartments or homes where adding a closet isn’t cost-effective. Even without doors, a neatly organized rack can replace closet space functionally.
Smart Storage Solutions
Maximize floor space by using vertical shelving, under-bed storage, or wall systems. These features can add extra space and meet buyer needs without a full closet build. For new construction, consider flexible built in closets that match the room’s proportions and layout.
Remodeling or Listing a Home Without Closets
Turning a Bonus Room Into a Legal Bedroom
Before marketing a flex space as a bedroom, check whether it meets the IRC’s legal definition. If it lacks a closet, you don’t necessarily have to build one. A wardrobe or armoire can suffice. However, to meet buyer expectations and avoid negotiation issues, a simple built in closet is often worth the investment.
Selling Without Closets: What to Expect
If your home has most bedrooms without closets, transparency is critical. Stage each room with clear storage space solutions. Work with your agent to communicate what’s present, and explain that closet requirements vary based on region and time period.
Is It Worth Adding Built In Closets?
In most cases, yes. Adding built in closets can increase home value and appeal. It’s a modest investment that pays off in resale confidence. Even a basic reach-in closet with a shelf and rod can transform how a room is considered a bedroom by buyers and appraisers.
Regional Overview: Do Closets Matter in Your Market?
Here’s a quick overview of how local regulations and building codes treat closets across major U.S. markets:
- New York, NY: No closet required by code, but buyers expect one
- Phoenix, AZ: Follows IRC, but check local regulations
- Los Angeles, CA: No closet required, but real estate agents prefer them
- Denver, CO: Not required by law, but expected in listings
- Seattle, WA: No legal requirement, though closet space is highly valued
Again, check with your city’s building department to confirm if closets are required to meet bedroom requirements in your jurisdiction.
Final Thoughts: Do Bedrooms Have to Have Closets?
Legally, most bedrooms do not require a closet. The IRC and many local building codes do not include closet space in their legal definition of a bedroom. However, in practice, closets significantly influence buyer appeal, home appraisals, and how rooms are considered a bedroom in the real estate market.
If you’re building, remodeling, or selling, adding built in closets where possible is a smart move. Not only does it make your space more functional, it also helps your home stand out in any market.
FAQs: Do Bedrooms Have to Have Closets?
Is It Illegal To Have A Bedroom Without A Closet?
No, under most building codes, bedrooms do not require a closet. However, local building codes might vary, so it’s best to check.
Will A Room Without A Closet Be Considered A Bedroom?
If it meets the IRC’s specific criteria, such as ceiling height, floor space, minimum window size, and egress, it can still be considered a bedroom.
How Do I List A Bedroom Without A Closet?
You can still list it as a bedroom, but be transparent. Stage it with storage space options like wardrobes or built in closets if possible.
Should I Build A Closet Before Selling?
Yes. Adding built in closets is an affordable upgrade that aligns with buyer expectations and can increase resale value.
Can A Loft Or Attic Be Used As A Bedroom?
Only if it meets building codes, including minimum ceiling height, minimum window size, minimum opening area, and safe egress. If a permanent ladder or stairway provides access, and it meets floor area standards, it may qualify.
Looking to remodel a bedroom, add more space, or design custom built in closets that meet code and buyer demand? Contact our design team at Kitchen Search for expert solutions tailored to your home and market.
