Thinking about buying a rental in Clemson? The city’s occupancy rules can make or break your cash flow, especially if you plan to rent to unrelated roommates or host short‑term guests. You want a clear picture of how many people you can legally house, how permits work, and what to check before you close. This guide walks you through the rules, the records to request, and the steps to verify a property’s status so you can buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Clemson occupancy rules at a glance
Clemson sets rental occupancy through its zoning ordinance and Rental Housing program. Long‑term rentals must have an annual permit and a posted occupancy label that lists how many unrelated occupants are allowed. You can review the city’s process on the Rental Housing page and confirm details with staff on that page’s contacts. See the Rental Housing program.
The city defines an “occupant” in its code. A natural family counts as one occupant, and unrelated individuals are counted separately. This matters because several limits are expressed in occupants, not just people. Review the city’s occupant definition.
Long‑term rentals: zoning sets occupancy
For traditional leases, the maximum number of unrelated occupants depends on the property’s zoning district. The Rental Housing page directs you to verify the limit with the Zoning and Codes Administrator, which is the safest path. Many single‑family zones translate to low single‑digit counts for unrelated roommates unless a property is grandfathered by its license history. Check zoning and contacts here.
Licensed rentals must post an occupancy label inside the dwelling, and owners are responsible for compliance. Removing the sticker does not change the legal limit, and replacement fees apply. Violations can lead to fines and permit suspension. See the occupancy label rule.
Short‑term rentals: day cap and people limits
Clemson caps registered short‑term rentals at 25 rental days per calendar year per dwelling. Owner‑occupied STRs may host up to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, with a hard cap of 10 people total. Non‑owner‑occupied STRs are limited by the property’s zoning occupancy standard and also by the two‑per‑bedroom plus two formula, again with a 10‑person max. STR operators must meet registration and signage rules, and identify a person‑in‑charge within a set radius. Review the STR requirements.
How to confirm a property’s legal occupancy
Start with location and zoning
First, confirm the home sits inside Clemson city limits, then identify the zoning district. Some city parcels lie in Pickens County, so cross‑check county tax records with the city zoning map. The city’s zoning page is the legal reference point. Go to Clemson Zoning.
Ask the seller for these records
- Current City of Clemson rental permit and the most recent inspection report. The permit year runs July 1 through June 30. Rental permits overview
- A clear photo of the posted occupancy label. If it is missing, ask for the replacement record or fee receipt. Occupancy label requirement
- Zoning designation plus any variances, conditional approvals, or written proof of grandfathered status that affects occupancy. Zoning confirmations
- Rental license history and any code enforcement or criminal offense history tied to the address. These can affect eligibility and suspension risk. How to verify with the city
- If used as an STR, the city STR registration and guest logs. The 25‑day cap applies per calendar year. STR rules and records
Verify with the city
Call or email the City of Clemson Planning and Development office listed on the Rental Housing page. Ask for written confirmation of the official zoning designation and the permitted occupant count for the address. If you prefer, submit a public records request for the full rental file.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Do not rely on “two people per bedroom” for long‑term rentals. Clemson uses zoning to set occupancy for traditional leases, not a universal bedroom formula. Zoning framework
- Do not assume a lease can allow more than the sticker. The stricter number controls, and owners are liable. Occupancy label enforcement
- Do not skip the permit. Operating without a required rental permit can trigger offenses that lead to suspension or make the property ineligible for a period. Enforcement and penalties
- Do not overlook fair housing context. “Two persons per bedroom” is a common federal guideline for reasonableness but is not an absolute rule. Always align your practices with local law and fair housing guidance. HUD overview
What this means for your numbers
Because Clemson is a college market, occupancy limits and enforcement impact pricing, projected rent, and your lease strategy. Lenders and insurers may also have occupancy or owner‑occupancy requirements that affect terms, so plan to confirm those early. If a seller claims higher occupancy, treat it as a value point only with documented proof from city records. When in doubt, the city’s sticker and written confirmations should guide your underwriting.
Next steps for buyers
- Get the seller’s rental permit, occupancy label photo, inspection report, active leases, and any STR documents.
- Request a written occupancy and zoning confirmation from the Zoning and Codes Administrator. City contacts and process
- Make higher‑occupancy claims contingent on city documentation, such as a valid grandfathered license history.
- Review HOA documents and speak with your lender and insurer about any additional occupancy requirements.
Ready to evaluate a Clemson rental with clear occupancy guidance and a practical plan to close? Reach out to Thomas & Crain for local insight, due‑diligence support, and a smart path to your next investment.
FAQs
How does Clemson define an “occupant” for rentals?
- The city counts a natural family as one occupant and unrelated individuals separately, which is why limits are often written in occupants rather than just people; check the definition in the city code for clarity.
How many unrelated Clemson students can I rent to in a house?
- It depends on the zoning district and the property’s posted occupancy label, and many single‑family zones allow only low single‑digit unrelated occupants unless the property is properly grandfathered.
Do short‑term rentals in Clemson have a day limit?
- Yes, registered STRs are limited to 25 rental days per calendar year per dwelling, and occupancy is capped using a two‑per‑bedroom plus two formula with a hard limit of 10 people.
My lease allows more people than the posted sticker, which one controls?
- The stricter number controls for legal compliance, and the city holds owners responsible for violations tied to the occupancy label.
What happens if the city finds an occupancy or permit violation?
- Offenses can lead to suspension hearings and a period when the unit cannot be rented, and repeated or serious violations can extend suspensions or trigger revocation.
