What Qualifies for a Bedroom in MLS
February 9, 2023
When signing into MLS the other day I received the following broadcast message:
NorthstarMLS Rules only require that a bedroom can be counted as such if the county or city recognizes a space as a legal bedroom.
Under Minnesota state law, the minimum requirements for a legal, conforming bedroom include a room having at least 70 square feet and one egress window or door directly exiting the structure. City and/or county codes may also have additional requirements, such as a closet or minimum power outlet requirements.
However, NorthstarMLS does not have a defined set of requirements or regulations of our own. If you are uncertain whether a bedroom is legally conforming, contact the city or county assessor to determine the legality of the space being called a bedroom.
I get the question often when I’m out on showings. Usually because the room that is counted as a bedroom on MLS doesn’t have a closet. But some do not have an exterior exit either. As our MLS indicates, it’s up to the listing agent to find out whether a bedroom can be counted as such by contacting the city or county where the home is located.
Other factors that come up when deciding whether a room is suitable for a bedroom are:
- 1-Ceiling Height
- 2-Can it be adequately heated or cooled
- 3-Electrical Outlets
At the end of the day, it’s how the buyer is going to use the room in question that really matters. As long as the room is sufficient size, has large enough egress to the exterior of the home (think fully equipped fireperson fitting through), and is comfortable for the person using it as a bedroom, then it can probably be used as one.
