More often than not, you can make a little bit of extra cash on the side by renting out a grannyflat as a small flat, but is it lawful? Well, it depends on what Council region your property is located within and what the Council policy is at the time that you wish to start doing it.

For example, in the Brisbane City Council region, you cannot rent out a granntflat (eg. secondary dwelling) separate from the primary house as both living areas should be occupied by the same 'household group'. Whereas, in the Logan City Council region, they have adopted a unique use called an 'auxiliary unit' which is essentially a self-contained grannyflat that you are allowed to rent out. That being said, in Logan, it also comes with a requirement for 5 car parking spaces and around $20,000 in 'infrastructure charges' payable to Council.

The safest way to know whether you can rent out your grannyflat will be to either to drop one of our town planners an email www.steffantp.com.au, or give your local council a call and ask to speak with a town planner.

What happens if you get caught?

Well, you'll obviously have to stop, or, you'll need to talk with a private consultant town planner and lodge a development application for a Material Change of Use to allow for that use to operate. Generally, you shouldn't receive a fine unless you're refusing to cooperate with Council's direction.

If you have any queries about secondary dwellings, grannyflats, auxiliary units, Steffan Town Planning can help: contact@stpmail.com.au / 07 3317 0042.