Accommodation Premises
Types of Accommodation Premises
Accommodation premises which are regulated under local law are:
Flats
Dwelling units used for short or long term residential purposes;
Lodging Houses
Are defined as where an accommodation building occupied by members of more than one family, who individually hire sleeping accommodation for one or more nights from a landlord or an agent for a landlord, and share kitchen and/or ablution facilities within the building. This excludes a flat which is occupied under a private lease agreement by members of one or more families;
Boarding Houses
Are defined as where members of more than one family, or more than ten persons, ordinarily occupy or reside in or have sleeping accommodation in any premises, the occupancy of such premises shall be presumed to be for hire, unless proved otherwise. These premises shall be regarded as a boarding house;
Motels
Are defined as an establishment intended principally for the temporary reception, lodging and accommodation of persons travelling by motor vehicles, with provision for the custody of their vehicles; and
Hostels
Registration of Accommodation Premises
- Flats, hostels, lodging, and boarding houses are required to be registered under the former Townsville City Council's Local Law Chapter 08. Strata titled (or individually owned) flats do not require to be registered.
- Motels are required to be registered under the former Townsville City Council's Local Law Chapter 25.
Registration is renewed on an annual basis at the beginning of each financial year. Registration fees are dependent on the type of operation, refer to the Fees and Charges.
Accommodation premises in the former Thuringowa City Council area are not required to be registered.
Purpose of Registration
The purpose of registering flats, hostels, lodging and boarding houses is to ensure they are:
- Maintained in a safe and sanitary condition;
- Maintained in reasonable state of repair;
- Premises are free from vermin; and
- Premises are provided with essential services such as hot and cold water.
The purpose of registration of motels is to ensure they are:
- Maintained and operated in a manner that is safe for human occupation;
- Certain requirements in relation to the provision of clean bedding, adequate ventilation, hand washing, shower and toilets facilities, as well as the provision of laundry services are met.
We highly recommend that regular maintenance is carried out on accommodation premises to ensure compliance with the above local laws.
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Certificate of Fitness
As the owner of a registered accommodation premises, you can request a certificate of fitness to determine compliance of the property with the local laws. An inspection will be carried out an authorised Council Officer and a report will be given to you in regards to any areas on non-compliance.
Flats are required to have a certificate of fitness carried out upon sale of the property. Only the prospective buyer can express in writing to waive their right to have a certificate of fitness carried out. The application form will need to be signed by the owner of the flats.
Breaches
If you have a concern that an accommodation premises may be in breach of the local law, contact the council to lodge a complaint. Your name, address, and a contact phone number will be required together with the location of the property in question. Personal details are of a confidential nature.
An inspection will be carried out to determine the extent of the breach. If the complaint is justified, a notice will be sent to registered owner requiring them to attend to the breaches to council satisfaction within a specified period of time.
Request an Inspection
Registered owners of flats can request an inspection to be carried out of their building by council at any time. These inspections are free and can help you identify breaches under local law.
Application Forms
Local Laws
For more information, please phone 4727 9000 or contact Environmental Health Services.
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