What are Boarding Houses and Rooming Accommodation?
Boarding houses and rooming accommodation are shared residential properties designed to provide affordable, short- or long-term housing for individuals who rent a single room while sharing common facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. These accommodations cater to a diverse demographic, including students, low-income individuals, seasonal workers, and transient populations.
Boarding houses and rooming accommodations are regulated by zoning laws, building codes, and tenancy legislation that ensure the safety, functionality, and rights of residents and operators.
Applicable Zoning for Boarding Houses and Rooming Accommodation
Boarding houses and rooming accommodation are typically located in residential or mixed-use zones, with specific allowances for higher-density development. Zoning laws vary across Australian states and territories, reflecting local planning priorities and housing needs.
1. Common Zoning Categories
Residential Zones (R2, R3, R4)
Purpose: Allow boarding houses within low, medium, and high-density residential areas, depending on the zone.
Typical Areas: Urban and suburban neighbourhoods.
Examples: Boarding houses in Sydney’s inner suburbs under R3 Medium-Density Zoning.
Mixed-Use Zones (MUZ)
Purpose: Permit boarding houses in areas combining residential, retail, and community uses.
Typical Areas: Transit-oriented developments and high-density urban areas.
Examples: Rooming accommodations near Brisbane’s SouthBank precinct.
Special Use Zones (SUZ)
Purpose: Accommodates rooming accommodation linked to specific industries or community services, such as university housing or aged-care facilities.
Typical Areas: Educational precincts or precincts with unique housing needs.
Examples: Student boarding houses near universities in Melbourne.
Commercial Zones (C1Z, C2Z)
Purpose: Allows boarding houses integrated with commercial activities in high-traffic areas.
Typical Areas: Urban centres and business hubs.
Examples: Rooming accommodation in Perth’s city centre.
2. Zoning Framework by State and Territory
Each state and territory manages boarding houses and rooming accommodation through specific planning and housing legislation. Below is an overview:
New South Wales (NSW): Governed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, boarding houses are typically permitted in zones such as R3 Medium-Density Residential and R4 High-Density Residential.
Example: Affordable housing boarding houses in Parramatta.
Victoria (VIC): Regulated by the Planning and Environment Act 1987, boarding houses are allowed in Residential Growth Zones (RGZ) and Mixed Use Zones (MUZ).
Example: Rooming accommodation in Melbourne’s inner north.
Queensland (QLD): Planning Act 2016 permits boarding houses in Medium and High-Density Residential Zones.
Example: Shared accommodations in Brisbane’s West End
Western Australia (WA): Planning and Development Act 2005 includes provisions for boarding houses in Residential and Mixed Use Zones.
Example: Affordable accommodations in Fremantle.
South Australia (SA): Planning and Development Infrastructure Act 2016 includes boarding houses in Urban Activity Zones.
Example: Boarding facilities in Adelaide’s Norwood.
Tasmania (TAS): The Tasmanian Planning Scheme permits boarding houses in Inner Residential Zones.
Example: Affordable accommodations in Fremantle.
Northern Territory (NT): Planning Act 1999 allows boarding houses in zones such as MR (Multiple Residential).
Example: Affordable accommodations in Fremantle.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Territory Plan permits boarding houses in Medium and High-Density Residential Zones (RZ4, RZ5).
Example: Boarding accommodations in Canberra’s Belconnen.
Breakdown of Boarding House and Rooming Accommodation Types
1. Traditional Boarding Houses
Description: Properties offering individual rooms and shared facilities, often run by private landlords or community organisations.
Features: Basic furnishings in rooms.
Communal kitchens and bathrooms.
Low-cost rental options.
Examples: Inner-city boarding houses in Sydney’s Newtown.
2. Purpose-Built Rooming Accommodation
Description: Newly constructed properties designed for rooming purposes, often with modern amenities.
Features: Private rooms with en-suite options.
Shared recreational areas and study spaces.
Examples: Co-living spaces in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley
3. Student Housing
Description: Boarding facilities catering to students, typically near educational institutions.
Features: Affordable rent tailored for students.
Proximity to universities and public transport.
Study-friendly environments.
Examples: Student boarding houses near Melbourne University.
4. Worker Accommodations
Description: Short-term housing designed for seasonal or transient workers, often in rural or industrial areas.
Features: Basic amenities with easy access to workplaces.
Affordable rent options for low-income earners.
Examples: Seasonal worker accommodations in Queensland’s fruit-picking regions.
5. Supported Housing
Description: Rooming accommodation providing additional support services for vulnerable individuals.
Features: Access to counselling, healthcare, or employment services.
Managed by non-profit or government organisations.
Examples: Supported accommodations for homeless individuals in Adelaide.
6. Co-Living Spaces
Description: Modern, community-focused rooming accommodation catering to young professionals and students.
Features: Stylish shared spaces and private rooms.
Networking and social events for residents.
Examples: Co-living accommodations in Sydney’s Zetland.
Key Considerations for Boarding Houses and Rooming Accommodation
1. Regulatory Compliance
Building Codes: Adherence to the National Construction Code (NCC) for fire safety, accessibility, and structural integrity.
Registration Requirements: Boarding houses must often be registered with local councils and meet minimum health and safety standards.
Tenancy Rights: Compliance with tenancy laws, including privacy and notice requirements.
2. Location and Accessibility
Close proximity to public transport, amenities, and employment hubs.
Compatibility with zoning and density requirements.
3. Design and Amenities
Room Layouts: Flexible designs to accommodate single tenants or couples.
Shared Spaces: Well-maintained communal areas to foster community living.
Safety Features: Secure entry systems, fire alarms, and emergency exits.
4. Economic and Social Factors
Affordable housing options to address housing shortages.
Government incentives for low-income or social housing projects.
5. Sustainability
Incorporation of energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures.
Recycling programs and sustainable building materials.