Queensland · Secondary Dwelling Rules
Short answer: yes. Since 2022 you can rent a Queensland granny flat to anyone, not just family. Here's what changed, what approvals you still need, and how a Class 1A home keeps the whole thing simple.
For years, Queensland restricted who was allowed to live in a secondary dwelling — in many cases, only members of the same household. That restriction was removed statewide on 26 September 2022.
Today, a secondary dwelling — a granny flat — can be rented to anyone, related or not. For homeowners that opened up a genuine income stream: a self-contained dwelling on your block that can be let long-term or short-stay, instead of sitting empty or limited to family.
The 2022 change removed the occupancy restriction — it did not remove the need to build and approve the dwelling properly. To rent a granny flat in Queensland you still need:
Note: turning an existing, non-compliant granny flat into a rented tenancy can trigger a building application of its own, because rented dwellings must meet additional fire and sound-transmission requirements. Starting with a properly certified dwelling avoids that headache.
There's no single statewide size cap — each local council sets its own. Many Queensland councils allow a secondary dwelling up to around 80m², though some regional councils differ. Setbacks, site cover and parking rules also vary.
The Forge 12's footprint sits comfortably within typical limits, but the golden rule applies everywhere: check your local council's planning scheme before you commit. If you tell us your block, we can help you understand what's likely to apply.
The reason renting trips people up is almost always the build: a caravan or non-compliant tiny home can't meet the residential construction standard, so it can't be approved as a rentable secondary dwelling. The Forge 12 is different — it's certified NCC Class 1A, the same classification as a house, and delivered with a full certification pack.
That means once it's approved on your block, it can be legally rented — long-term or short-stay — and insured as residential property. Model the income on our rental calculator, or see the full cost breakdown.
General information only, current as of 2026 and not legal advice. Secondary-dwelling and short-stay rules vary by local council and change over time — always confirm the current requirements with your local council before building or renting.
Thinking about a rentable granny flat?
Tell us your block and what you're planning — we'll help you understand the local rules and prepare an itemised estimate. Or see the Forge 12 on display in outer Rockhampton.