72131 - Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps

When navigating government contracts or business classifications, knowing the right NAICS code is crucial. NAICS code 72131 specifically covers Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps, an essential part of the lodging industry that serves a unique market. This blog post will dive deep into what this code represents, the sector it belongs to, business examples, size standards, and more for business owners, contractors, and industry professionals.

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What is NAICS Code 72131?

NAICS 72131 refers to establishments primarily engaged in providing temporary or longer-term lodging in settings such as:

• Rooming houses
• Boarding houses
• Dormitories
• Workers' camps

These facilities typically offer shared or private rooms and may include amenities such as meals or additional services to residents. Unlike traditional hotels or motels, this code focuses on more communal or extended lodging arrangements.

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Sector Overview: Accommodation and Food Services

NAICS Code 72131 falls within the broader sector of:

• Sector 72: Accommodation and Food Services

This sector encompasses establishments that provide customers with lodging and/or meals. More specifically, 72131 targets lodging services that cater primarily to:

• Individuals needing affordable, longer-term housing solutions
• Workers assigned to remote camps or industrial sites requiring onsite accommodations
• Students or transient populations requiring dormitory-style living arrangements

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Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 72131

Businesses classified under NAICS 72131 commonly engage in:

• Renting rooms on a weekly or monthly basis for long-term residents
• Managing boarding houses where meals may be included as part of the stay
• Operating dormitories for students, military personnel, or workers
• Providing workers’ camps near mining, construction, or oil exploration sites, including shared housing and support facilities

Examples of Business Types

• Rooming houses providing individual rooms with shared bathrooms
• Boarding houses offering lodging plus meals and other amenities
• Workers' camps established near industrial or remote work sites for temporary employee lodging
• Dormitory operators for universities, religious institutions, or employee housing

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Size Standards for NAICS 72131

For government contracting and small business eligibility, the SBA size standards are defined as:

NAICS Code	Size Standard	Standard Description
72131	$16.5 million	Annual receipts (for most businesses in this code)

Businesses with annual revenues below $16.5 million typically qualify as small under NAICS code 72131, which can be advantageous for SBA certifications, including 8(a), HUBZone, or Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs.

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Complete NAICS Code 72131 Details

Attribute	Description
NAICS Code	72131
Title	Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps
Description	Establishments providing temporary or longer-term lodging in rooming/boarding houses, dormitories, and workers’ camps. Typically offering shared or private rooms and may provide meals and other services.
Sector	72 - Accommodation and Food Services
Typical Businesses	Rooming houses, Boarding houses, Dormitories, Workers’ camps
Size Standard	$16.5 million (Annual Receipts)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of lodging are included in NAICS 72131?

NAICS 72131 includes rooming houses, boarding houses, dormitories, and workers’ camps that provide temporary or longer-term lodging with shared or private rooms, and potentially meals or other services.

How is NAICS 72131 different from hotel codes?

This code focuses on communal or extended stay lodging rather than short-term hotel or motel stays, typically serving workers, students, or residents who require longer accommodation periods.

What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 72131?

The SBA size standard is $16.5 million in average annual receipts, meaning businesses with revenue below this threshold qualify as small businesses within this NAICS code.

Can meals be provided under this NAICS classification?

Yes, boarding houses and some workers' camps may offer meals as part of their services, but the primary service remains lodging.

Are student dormitories part of NAICS 72131?

Yes, dormitories used for student or institutional housing are classified under this code.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 72131 covers a crucial segment of the lodging industry that caters to unique housing needs beyond traditional hotels. Whether you operate a boarding house, manage a workers' camp, or provide dormitory accommodations, understanding this code helps you classify your business correctly, qualify for contracts, and position yourself strategically in the accommodation sector.

If your business fits within these parameters and meets the size standards, explore contracting opportunities and certifications that can help you grow in this niche market.

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Optimize your business success by leveraging insights into NAICS code 72131 – your gateway to government lodging contracts and market classification.