Shared Accommodation

Over recent years there has been increasing demand for group housing in Stonnington - ie rooming for students, backpackers and alternative rent arrangements. It is important to be aware that controls exist under Planning, Health and Building legislation when buildings are converted.

Planning

A planning permit is required for use of a building for shared accommodation where there are 10 or more habitable rooms. Note, a kitchen is defined as a habitable room for the purposes of this definition.

Health

Where there are 4 or more unrelated residents the premises must be registered with Council's Health section as prescribed accommodation. Please note the number has recently been reduced from 6 or more.

Building Control

A rooming house with a floor area of no more than 300m2 and for which no more than 12 persons would ordinarily be resident is classified under the BCA as a Class 1b building. Under the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the BCA, 1b buildings comply if they have:

• a stand-alone, hard wired smoke alarm in every bedroom and every hallway associated with a bedroom, or, if there is no corridor or hallway, in any area between the bedrooms and the remainder of the building. and lighting to assist in evacuation in the event of fire in the hallways
• smoke alarm activated lighting installed to assist evacuation of occupants in the event of fire. Such lighting may be incorporated in the smoke alarm units or activated by operation of nearby smoke alarms.

A residential building for unrelated persons which is not a house or a Class 1b is classified as a Class 3 building. This type of building has special requirements with relation to fire separation, exits and fire fighting equipment that require expert advice. Where a building of a former use is converted into a Class 3, the owner will need to ensure that these requirements have been met. This will usually involve seeking advice from a consultant.

Unauthorised Conversion of Buildings

Unauthorised conversion of a building may constitute an offence which can be prosecuted by Council or the police. It may also lead to danger to residents due to inadequate fire protection or sub-standard conditions.

If Council becomes aware that a building has been converted to Class 1b or Class 3 use without being suitably upgraded or, where applicable, without being granted any necessary permits or registrations, a joint inspection process is undertaken headed by Council's Health Services Unit after which the proprietor and land owner will be advised of any requirements.

Rooming Houses an Operators Guide.pdf (241.51 KB)