Legal requirements for outbuildings
The legal requirements which need to be met for an outbuilding will depend on what it is being used for.
If you want to use an outbuilding for sleeping accommodation you must apply for planning permissiion and comply with Building Regulations.
Planning helps us control how we use land, what we build and where we build it.
Building Regulations control the quality of the building’s structure and ensure it is safe for sleeping in. They cover things like foundations and floor construction, insulation and double glazing, electricity and drainage.
When you have completed the work to the correct standard, and it has been inspected, you will receive a certificate. Visit our Building Regulations pages for more information.
If you are converting an outbuilding for someone to live in, it’s your responsibility to ensure you have the correct permissions before allowing someone to sleep in the outbuilding. You may also need to pay council tax on your outbuilding. You can contact the council tax team to find out about outbuildings and council tax.
If you do not have the correct permissions we can take enforcement action against you if you are allowing someone to live in an outbuilding without the correct permissions.
Property licensing
If you create self-contained accommodation in your shed or outbuilding, you may need to apply for a rental license. You can make an online property licensing service account to check if you need to apply for a rental licence.
You can visit our property licensing pages for more information
If you do not want to use your outbuilding for sleeping accommodation
Remember, you must meet all the limits and conditions for a development to be permitted. It is your responsibility to ensure that they are. If you are in doubt, contact our Planning team for advice.
Refer an outbuilding that's adapted for human habitation
If you think an outbuilding has been adapted for people to live in, complete a Outbuildings adapted for human habitation referral form.