Prescribed Accommodation (Rooming House) premises are required to register under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 prior to operation. The following accommodation gateways are prescribed accommodation:
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Residential Accommodation
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Hotels & Motels
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Hostels
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Student Dormitories
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Holidays Camps
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Rooming houses
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Labour hire accommodation
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The Public Health and Wellbeing (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 2020 aim to prevent overcrowding in prescribed accommodation, ensure reasonable standards of hygiene, sanitation and maintenance, and reduce the risk of communicable diseases. Once registered, Council conducts annual inspections of all prescribed accommodation premises to ensure ongoing compliance with the Act and Regulations.
Council will inspect your rooming house to see if it meets the standards set out in:
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Public Health and Wellbeing (Prescribed Accommodation) Regulations 2020
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Standards also apply (but are not limited to):
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at least one toilet for every 10 people
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at least one bath or shower and one wash basin for every 10 people
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continuous and adequate supply of hot and cold water to all toilet, bathing, laundry, kitchen and drinking water facilities
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rooms and communal areas must be clean and in well maintained condition
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Room sizes – short term or long term have capacity limits – refer to Information Kit (link to document).
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Rooming houses must have adequate and well-maintained hard-wired smoke alarms to protect residents.
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All Rooming Houses must be registered with Consumers Affairs Victoria.
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For more information on: Short Term & Long Term, Safety & Security, Amenities, General Conditions & Inspections refer to: Rooming House Information Kit (Link to Document)
Transfer of Premises Accommodation Registration – Complete Application Form
(LINK to Form)​
How does a Rooming House differ to a Share House
A Rooming House is a building where one or more rooms is available for occupancy by four or more people (in return for the payment of rent).
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A Share House is typically when a group of people rent a house together and share the rent, bills, and household responsibilities. Unlike Rooming Houses, there’s usually one lease agreement that covers all tenants. Share Houses are very common among students, young professionals, and people looking for a more social living arrangement.
Links:
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Rooming house – Minimum Standards - Consumer Affairs Victoria
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For information on Planning, Building Requirements contact: Council’s Business Concierge Team or call 9688 0200.
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Rooming House Information Kit (Document)
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Fees List (Document)
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Apply for Prescribed Accommodation Premises
(LINK to Online Application Form)
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