The Town of Chapel Hill is actively enforcing over-occupancy issues in rental housing.
Homes that are classified, built and zoned as single-family dwelling units that are rented out to or occupied by more than four unrelated persons are in violation of the town’s Land Use Management Ordinance. A single-family dwelling unit is defined as “a detached dwelling consisting of a single dwelling unit only.â€
Violations of the ordinance can result in tenants being displaced, fines and additional approvals and inspections that could require major upgrades to those homes. The town cautions students to be aware of the ordinance before signing leases.