City of South Perth - Register a Lodging House

Lodging house applications

A lodging house is any premises in which provision is made for more than six (6) persons to reside, for hire or reward. This does not include the keeper or his/her family who may reside with the other lodgers. Lodging houses include short term hostels such as backpackers, crisis accommodation, bed and breakfast accommodating more than six (6) people or a hotel or motel without a liquor licence. Licensed premises, private school accommodation or residential flats are not captured as lodging houses.

Application information

Lodging house requirements

In general terms, a lodging house should be constructed to ensure it is:

comfortable - provided with sufficient lighting and ventilation, complies with the approved maximum number of lodgers to prevent overcrowding
provided with the basic facilities such as a functional and well maintained kitchen, bathroom(s), laundry units, toilet(s), lounge, dining area(s) and hot and cold water
safe and hygienic - approved fire safety measures, emergency evacuation procedures are to be in place (eg hard wired smoke detectors, illuminated exit signs and emergency evacuation procedures in each room), and ensure that the general state of cleanliness is aesthetically satisfactory.

Planning approval requirements

Building permit requirements

Fees

Register or sign in

To submit an application, you will need to register or sign in for a mySouthPerth account. Click the Register and Sign In option at the top right of this page to proceed.

For assistance with your mySouthPerth account, visit our information page.

Already signed in?

If you see your initials at the top right-hand corner of this page, you are already signed in.

Apply for lodging house approval

To apply for lodging house approval, proceed below.

Before you begin

Prior to commencing the application via the link below, ensure you have an electronic copy (eg scan) of the following documentation prior to completing the application process:

A detailed internal layout plan of the premises.

You will be required to attach this information during the application process.

Submit a Lodging House Application

Lodgement guidance

Type of location - property or land?

When lodging your application, you are presented with two options to search the location.

To use the Property search method, click on Property and enter the street number and street name (eg 199 Thelma Street, or 2/203 Thelma Street, or 205B Thelma Street).

To use the Land search method, click on Land and enter the lot number and plan number (eg Lot 3497 DP187254, or Lot 1 SP5985).

Where can I find the lot and plan numbers?

Refer to the Certificate of Title, especially if it has been recently subdivided.

Alternatively, you can refer to the City's mapping tool. Via mapping, search and select the location. Scroll down to the Land - Property Information section via the information to the right of the page. The data for the land search is the Lot on Plan data. You can copy and paste this information into the land search when you start your application.

What if there are no land details in mapping?

I cannot lodge as I have errors

Do I complete any section/s with 'for City officer use only' in it?

How do I attach documents?

The lodgement process may include requirements to attach documents. Please refer to the Before you begin section on this page in relation to requirements and ensure you have this information prior to commencing the process. You will be presented with options for mandatory and optional documentation.

Mandatory documentation

Mandatory document types will be displayed within the mandatory documentation section. There may be more than one document required, and the name of each document will be listed.

To add the document, click the Add button, search and select the correct document then click Open. A pop up will display with your document name as well as the attachment type. Select Save when complete. The document will then be uploaded to the lodgement.

Please note, if you have more than one document for this mandatory field, you can select Add Another via the pop up or Add via the main screen once you have attached the first document.

Complete the process for each mandatory attachment type.

Optional documentation

The lodgement process will also include the ability to attach optional documentation. Please ensure you refer to the Before you begin section of this page for guidance on required documentation as not all may be listed as mandatory.

To attach optional documentation, click the Add button under Optional Attachments, search and select the correct document then click Open. A pop up will display with your document as well as a drop down section to select your Attachment Type. Click the drop down and select the correct type. Select Save when complete. The document will then be uploaded to the lodgement.

Repeat this process for each additional document.

Post lodgement process

Once your application is lodged, the following steps will apply:

Review and assess information, including requesting further information if required
The City's health service will arrange an appointment time to ensure that the premises comply with the relevant legislation
The application can take up to four (4) weeks for a decision.

Routine inspections

Once approval is given the premise is then subject to routine inspections by a City environmental health officer.

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