Buying or Selling? Know the Rules.

Understand the codes and regulations so you can make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.

What Legally Qualifies a Room as a Bedroom in Maryland?

The Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) are based on the International Residential Code and apply statewide.
Each bedroom must have a legal emergency escape and rescue opening (egress) that leads directly outside.
Minimum size: at least 70 square feet and 7 feet in any horizontal direction.
Ceiling height: minimum of 7 feet for at least half of the room.
Ventilation & natural light: an operable window or mechanical ventilation and natural light equal to 8% of the floor area.
Heat source: the room must include a built‑in heating system (space heaters don’t count).
Privacy: the bedroom must have a door and be accessible from a common area (not through another bedroom).
Closets are not legally required, though they may be expected for resale or appraisal purposes.

Every bedroom must have an emergency escape and rescue opening that leads directly outside.
Egress must be accessible directly from within the bedroom.
Acceptable options include an egress window or an exterior door within the bedroom.
A walkout basement door through a common area doesn’t meet the requirement for a basement bedroom.
Egress windows must meet minimum requirements:
- Opening area: 5.7 sq ft (5.0 sq ft if at grade level)
- Opening height: 24 inches
- Opening width: 20 inches
- Sill height: no more than 44 inches above the floor
Window wells are required if the egress window is below grade, and a ladder is needed if deeper than 44 inches.