Residential Accommodation Businesses

Businesses that accommodate six or more people for short term stays (less than one month), such as bed and breakfasts or holiday houses, are classified as residential accommodation businesses.

If you're looking for information about hotels, hostels or other accommodation businesses, you may need to look at our Prescribed Accommodation page.

Considerations for residential accommodation businesses include the following:

• Planning and building permits may be required. Find more information about this on our Bed & Breakfast page
• Advertising or trade that comes out onto the footpath or road (such as an A-frame sign or outdoor dining) may require a permit. Read more about this on our Advertising Signs page and our Business Permits page.
• Animals on the property need to be registered. See our Pets page for more information.
• You may need to register your business in accordance with the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008
• Any food handling activities will require registration under the Food Act 1984
• Businesses with private water supplies need to comply with the guidelines for private drinking supplies at commercial and community facilities
• If the premises isn’t connected to town sewage, you will need to comply with EPA requirements regarding wastewater
• If a swimming or spa pool available for use, you need to meet the requirements of the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009. See Part 6 – Aquatic Facilities.

 

Any accommodation business requires a Certificate of Registration with the Council in order to operate lawfully under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.

Any business selling food or drinks requires registration with the Council under the Food Act 1984.

Contact us if you are considering opening a business and would like to make an appointment to discuss how you can ensure your obligations are met.