What legally makes a room a bedroom in New Zealand? We explain the minimum size, width, ceiling height, natural light and ventilation requirements—and why council-approved use matters when selling your home. What Legally Counts as a Bedroom in New Zealand? The basic bedroom requirementsUnder the Housing Improvement Regulations 1947, a bedroom generally requires:A minimum floor area of 6 square metres. A room below 4.5 square metres cannot be occupied as a bedroom under these regulations.