Due to the current housing crisis, many people are making the decision to build a Sunshine Coast granny flat. So what are the rules for legally renting your granny flat? As many are aware, there have been restrictions on who can and who can’t legally live in the granny flat you build. Strain on the current housing state has had a flow on effect, with a great push for change. Let’s explore the new rules and what this means for you, legally renting out your granny flat.
Wanting to build an investment granny flat? Enquire with the Sunshine Coast building experts.
Can I Legally Rent My Granny Flat?
Previously, the Sunshine Coast Council rules pertaining to granny flat rentals did not allow for the space to be rented out. Legislation stating;
“Collectively, the occupants of the Secondary Dwelling and the Dwelling House have the common intention to live together on a long-term basis and make common provision for food or other essentials for living.”
Essentially, meaning that the occupants of the granny flat must form part of the same “household”. Only family may occupy the space.
However, as many are aware, the Sunshine Coast is experiencing a once in a lifetime housing crisis, with a large shortage of rentals or affordable rentals.
For this reason, the Queensland Government has seen a big push to find a solution for the issues many are facing. The answer? To provide people with greater access to housing options of course. Scrapping and overwriting the restrictions.
Homeowners are now able to freely rent out their granny flat, to anyone. The new rules have come into place as of the 23rd of September 2022.
How Does This Affect The Sunshine Coast Rules and Regulations?
The welcome changes to the planning scheme remove all restrictions around legally renting your granny flat. The changes are state-wide, including the Sunshine Coast.
It will be important to note however, that these changes will not affect the building approval process. In light of this recent news, if you make the decision to build a Sunshine Coast granny flat, you are still required to meet all planning rules and regulations. Read a bit more about those rules and regulations here.
Will This Affect My Existing Granny Flat?
If you have previously built a Sunshine Coast granny flat, and obtained building approval for the dwelling, there will be no changes for you.
If fully approved, you may now legally rent your granny flat. However, it will be important to ensure that the granny flat does meet all of the current construction codes. Consider whether additional building works may be required.
If you still have questions about the changes, contact our friendly team to get clarification on the rules. Given that you may now legally rent out your Sunshine Coast granny flat, we can’t think of a better financial investment in your future than to build one! Get started on the right foot and contact our friendly team today to discuss your options.