Get the basics right

Starting a rooming house in Victoria is a rewarding venture—but it’s not for the faint-hearted. It requires navigating planning laws, building codes, licensing, and community expectations. Here's a structured guide to help you cover all the critical bases:

1. Planning & Zoning
  • Zoning Compliance: Ensure the land is zoned for residential use and permits shared accommodation. Look out for overlays like heritage, bushfire, or flood zones that may restrict development.
  • Permit Pathway: Class 1B rooming houses may bypass planning permits if they meet certain exemptions, but Class 3 buildings always require them.
  • Council Engagement: Early consultation with your local council’s planning team can clarify requirements and avoid costly delays.
2. Design & Building Code Compliance
  • Class 1B: Class 1B is for ≤12 residents and ≤300m² on external measure.
  • Fire Safety: Hardwired smoke alarms in every room, evacuation lighting, and interconnected alarm systems are mandatory.
  • Accessibility: Access to premises, common area and at least one bedroom and associated facilities must be wheelchair accessible, with compliant paths of travel.
  • Room Sizes: Must meet minimum space requirements under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations.
3. Licensing & Registration
  • Rooming House Operators Licence: Required under the Rooming House Operators Act 2016. Apply via Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Business Licencing Authority.
  • Council Registration: Must register the property as a rooming house under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
  • Land Tax Exemption: Available if the property is registered and provides low-cost accommodation within tariff limits to persons on low income.
4. Minimum Standards & Amenities
  • Privacy & Security: Secure locks, privacy latches on bathrooms, and safe blind cords are required.
  • Laundry & Kitchen Facilities: Must be sufficient for the number of residents (e.g., one washing machine per 12 residents).
  • Structural Integrity: The building must be weatherproof, free from dampness, and structurally sound.