Dire situation

[maat55]

That's true. Many towns have occupancy limits. Putting 8 people in a 2-bedroom apartment may violate local code.

I think we need a lot more details here to discuss this any farther. The numbers don't seem to add up. An awful lot of debt was apparently incurred in a very short period of time. Hopefully, OP will feel comfortable sharing more info.

The two bedroom rental is a house. I doubt there is a restriction on occupancy in your own home.

[cicy33]

Perhaps not a restriction on occupancy but the state doesn't like it when boys and girls sleep in the same room after they are a year old. I know this from my ex sister in law, they were on wic and got a home visit. have 5 kids, 4 girls one boy. they lived in a 3 bdroom and had transformed the dining area into a room for him. They told her that she had to build another room for the boy or move. They said if she didn't they would report her to child and family services. It is not always as easy as it sounds. True I would move them all into the two bedroom. Most likely if they were reported and advised what they were doing and were working on a plan it would be okay. Also, while I agree it is a lot of debt, I too accumulated debt when times were good. lots of people did. Why focus on the past. All the poster is looking for is advice, not criticism for past mistakes. Nobody knew the economy was going to tank like it did. I agree with others move into the rental, if that is not possible try to find a rental that is a little bigger and then start focusing on paying off what one can and go from there. Give up on the carpet cleaning. I agree there that people are going to cut costs where they can and with jobs still not hiring it is not getting any better. hopefully things will look up in a year or two.

[disneysteve]

I doubt there is a restriction on occupancy in your own home.

Many towns have occupancy restrictions that put a limit on the number of people who can reside in a certain amount of space. I assume it primarily stems from fire safety codes.

[maat55]

Many towns have occupancy restrictions that put a limit on the number of people who can reside in a certain amount of space. I assume it primarily stems from fire safety codes.

Maybe, but I would not loose any sleep at night waiting to see if it were enforced. I would just do the Waltons good night and get out of debt.

[cicy33]

Maybe, but I would not loose any sleep at night waiting to see if it were enforced. I would just do the Waltons good night and get out of debt.

I agree. I would worry about the state issues later. Then if there is too much issue call the paper and tell them that they would want you homeless versus at least together.