Accommodation businesses

If you operate any of the following businesses, The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (‘the Act’) requires you to register with us before you start trading:

• Hotel or motel
• Hostel
• Rooming house
• Student accommodation
• Prescribed accommodation.

You must comply with regulations to ensure your business is clean and safe.

You must renew your registration and pay a registration fee every year. We will send you a reminder when your renewal is due. 

This page sets out the steps for starting a new accommodation business. We encourage you to contact us or use our free Business Support Service for guidance before you begin the process. 

Step 1: Apply to establish your business 

Before you register your business, we recommend you apply to establish it with us. We can help you prepare your premises and services to meet the legal requirements. These are detailed in the 'Requirements for prescribed accommodation premises' guide at the bottom of this page.

Contact us on (03) 9278 4444 to apply to establish your business.

Step 2: Request a pre-sale inspection if you're buying an existing business

If you plan to buy an existing accommodation business, we strongly recommend you use our pre-sale inspection service before you make the purchase. 

Our environmental health officers will inspect the business and send you a detailed report of any items that don’t comply with the Act.  

Our standard service provides a report within 10 working days. A fee applies for this service.

You’ll need the current proprietor’s consent to release the inspection report.

After we’ve issued the report, it’s your responsibility to negotiate and resolve any outstanding non-compliant items with the current proprietors before you take over the business.

Step 3: Fit out your business

Once we have assessed and approved your application to establish a business, you can fit out your business knowing you are meeting all requirements.

We recommend  you contact Yarra Valley Water to find out your sewerage and waste water requirements, and other utility providers to confirm that you meet their codes and standards.

Step 4: Arrange an onsite inspection

After you’ve completed your accommodation premises fit-out, you can book a final inspection. Do this at least one week before you open to the public. We’ll inspect the premises to make sure it meets all the legal requirements. 

Step 5: Register your business

Once we’ve completed our final inspection and you’ve met all the requirements, we’ll give you an Application for Registration form to complete and submit with the prescribed fee.

If your application is successful, you will receive a Certificate of Registration by email. An inspection will then occur within one month of being approved to operate.

Fees