Prescribed accommodation including rooming houses information

Operators of prescribed accommodation are required to meet State and Council requirements.

A proprietor of prescribed accommodation must register the accommodation with us in accordance with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

The following types of accommodation are considered prescribed accommodation:

  • residential accommodation
  • hotels and motels
  • hostels
  • student dormitories
  • holiday camps
  • rooming houses

Operators of rooming houses are required to meet State and Council requirements that apply to rooming houses and shared accommodation, please ensure you are aware of your obligations.

Darebin’s Planning, Building and Health Unit are all responsible for overseeing different areas of legislation.

A building this may be considered a rooming house or shared house if it has:

  • one or more rooms available to rent, and
  • four or more people in total living in the property this may be a considered a rooming house or shared house

Please read the shared accommodation premises(PDF, 327KB) information before submitting an application.

Shared accommodation premises(PDF, 327KB)

If you proceed with the works and commence operating without the required permits, you will be required to stop operating and/or construction of the Rooming House until you have the necessary permits.

Planning requirements

You will be required to get a planning permit if:

  • any of the conditions opposite the ‘rooming house’ use in the tables of uses in the zone or schedule to the zone has not been met
  • the total floor area of all buildings on the land, measured from the outside of external walls or the centre of party walls, exceeds 300 square metres, excluding outbuildings
  • more than 12 persons are accommodated
  • more than 9 bedrooms are provided

Prior to purchasing the property

Step 1 Check property address on VicPlan, this website provides information on zoning and any overlays that may affect the property.

Step 2 It is also advised that you then read through the Darebin Planning Scheme and Clause 52.23 - Rooming House.

If a planning permit is needed, it is recommended that you engage a professional such as an architect, draftsperson or planning consultant familiar with the planning permit process and Planning Permit application documentation.

If you have more questions about the Planning Permit process or Overlays, contact Statutory Planning on 8470 8850 or via email townplanning@darebin.vic.gov.au

Building requirements

Under the Building Code of Australia (BCA), a rooming house must be classified as a Class 1b building and requires a building permit and the owner must ensure essential safety measures are maintained.

Please see the rooming house requirements(PDF, 327KB) for more information regarding the building regulations for a rooming house.

If a building permit is needed, it is advised you contact a consultant or engage a private building surveyor familiar with this sort of application.

For more information on the building permit process contact the Building Department on (03) 8470 8899 or via email building@darebin.vic.gov.au

Before applying for a Building Permit, contact the Statutory Planning Department (see information above) to confirm whether a planning permit is required.

Health Requirements

When you have received relevant permits from a Private Building Surveyor, and/or Planning Unit, the Rooming House operators required to register with Councils Health Protection Unit under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

Every year your registration is due to be renewed with council on December 31, failure to do so may result in penalties. Council Health Officers will inspect the premises to ensure that appropriate standards are maintained.

The Public Health and Wellbeing (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 2020 outline the specific requirements that prescribed accommodation premises must meet including room size, toilet and bathing facilities and maintenance and cleanliness.

As part of the application process, you will need to submit an Application for Public Health and Wellbeing Act Registration form as well as a copy of endorsed floor plans, these should include:

  • details of the proposed use of each room including bedroom measurements
  • the locations of toilets, hand wash basins and bath/shower, laundry
  • floor plan of all outbuildings that will be available for rent
  • all shared areas, and
  • number of people to be accommodated in each room.

As part of your application to Register your premises, you will be required to confirm that you have the following:

  • A current Planning Permit or documentation stating Planning Permit is not required,
  • A current Occupancy Permit from a Private Building Surveyor confirming the building meets all relevant requirements,
  • Complete and submit Application Form.

After you submit an application, you will receive an email confirmation with an attached invoice. When payment (or proof of Payment) is received a Health Officer will conduct a final inspection. When the site is compliant your certificate will be sent via email.

For more information regarding the application process or questions about operating a Rooming House contact the Health Protection Unit on 03 8470 8658 or email health@darebin.vic.gov.au

Additional requirements

You will need to meet all Consumer Affair Victoria (CAV) requirements including:

  1. obtaining a rooming house operator's licence
  2. maintain the minimum standards

You can do this by either contacting Consumer Affair Victoria (CAV) direct on 1300 55 81 81 or see the Consumer Affair Victoria website.

More information is available online Running your business overview - rooming house operators

If you are a tenant that has general residential concerns, please visit Consumer Affairs for information on how to lodge a complaint.

Concerns about rooming houses

If you suspect a property is being used as rooming house without permits, please contact our Customer Service Team and we will coordinate an investigation.

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