Tiny Home Legal Advice.

Why Tiny Homes Need Legal Protection

Tiny homes promise simplicity and freedom, but in reality the rules can be complex. Council zoning, building standards, access rights, and land use restrictions can all turn a dream project into a costly dispute. Getting clear legal advice early helps you avoid delays, protect your investment, and move forward with confidence.

We work with people building, buying, leasing, or relocating tiny homes and portable dwellings across Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you are planning a single unit or a small community, we help you understand what is allowed, what to watch for, and how to secure your rights from the start.

What We Help With

We advise on:

• Resource consents and local planning rules

• Building code and compliance requirements for transportable dwellings

• Legal placement of tiny homes on owned, leased, or shared land

• Financing, insurance, and dispute resolution

• Site access, power, water, and easement rights

• Ownership, co-ownership, and occupation agreements

• Sale and purchase contracts for movable or fixed homes

• Lease or licence agreements with private landowners

• Council compliance, inspection issues, and enforcement notices

We understand the risks that can arise, from landowners changing their minds to councils requiring removal or financing complications after relocation. Our role is to help you prevent those issues before they happen and guide you if they do.

Common Issues We See

Tiny home projects can go off track quickly when the rules or relationships behind them are unclear. Here are some of the problems we are called in to help with:

• A home placed without consent or outside a zoning boundary

• Disputes over shared land use, access, or power supply

• A landowner demanding a home’s removal with little notice

• Council enforcement for non-compliance with the Building Act

• Unclear agreements causing ownership or insurance problems

We help resolve these disputes and protect your rights, but the best results come when you seek advice before signing, building, or moving.

Where We Work

We work with people across New Zealand who are building a life on their own terms. Whether you’re settling on rural or family land, living more lightly, or exploring housing alternatives, we provide legal advice that supports your plans. Our team is based in Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Masterton, and we assist clients nationwide by phone and online.

Questions We Often Get About Tiny Homes

Do I still need council consent for a granny flat under 70 m²?

Possibly. The new exemption law is expected to remove the need for a building consent for certain small standalone dwellings, but you may still need resource consent, site notification, or professional certification. Council rules differ across districts, and missing a technical step could affect insurance, resale, or compliance. Our lawyers can confirm what applies to your exact site and plans.

Can I legally live full-time in a tiny home on my property?

Not always. The answer depends on zoning, utilities, vehicle classification, and how the home connects to the land. Councils treat movable dwellings and permanent builds differently, and breaches can lead to enforcement or removal orders. We help you document your setup correctly so you can live there legally and securely.

What happens if my builder or supplier doesn’t meet Building Code standards?

You still have strong rights under your contract and New Zealand law. Poor workmanship or non-compliant construction can breach the Building Code, void insurance, and create council issues. Under the Contract and Commercial Law Act, you can enforce your building agreement, and the Consumer Guarantees Act protects you when work isn’t done with reasonable care or skill. We help you recover costs, enforce repairs, or take formal action, including payment recovery where needed.

If my tiny home is on someone else’s land, how do I protect my rights?

You need a written occupation or site licence agreement covering access, services, maintenance, termination, and removal. Without it, you could be asked to leave at short notice. We prepare agreements that clearly define rights and responsibilities so both parties stay protected.

Could insurance or financing be affected by how my tiny home is classified?

Yes. If your home is technically a building but declared as a vehicle or “temporary structure,” claims can be denied and finance options limited. We advise on correct legal classification, consent pathway, and documentation to keep your investment and cover valid.