On this page:
Before you start your application
Individuals with an equivalent licence or registration in an Australian state or territory that is participating in Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) may be able to practice as a rooming house operator in Victoria by submitting an AMR notification. For more information, view Automatic mutual recognition.
Providing incorrect information
It is a serious offence for a person to knowingly make a false or misleading statement in relation to a licence application. Significant fines apply.
Eligibility
People aged over 18 and certain types of body corporate entities (companies, co-operatives and incorporated associations) will be eligible to apply for a licence.
You are automatically ineligible to be licensed if you are under 18 years old.
You will not be a ‘fit and proper person’ and therefore not eligible to be licensed if any of the ‘licence disqualification criteria’ set out in section 17 of the Rooming House Operators Act 2016 are met by:
- you
- any of your officers (if you are an organisation applying for a licence), or
- any manager you engage to operate a rooming house on your behalf.
For more information, view Rooming house operator licensing disqualification.
The Business Licensing Authority (BLA) will decide licence applications.
If you are currently licensed in another state or territory of Australia, you may be eligible to work in Victoria under the Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme without having to apply for a new licence. You may be required to notify the BLA.
Fees
The application fee and initial licence fee must be paid at the time of application.
For the full schedule of fees, view Fees for rooming house operators.
Records checks
The BLA will conduct checks with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), local councils and other agencies to verify the information provided in this application form. Visit the ACIC website.
Providing incorrect information
It is a serious offence for a person to knowingly make a false or misleading statement in relation to a licence application. Significant fines apply.
Unlicensed trading
Unlicensed rooming house operators are liable for significant fines. For more information, view Penalties.
Note: After lodging your licence application, you will be able to continue to operate your rooming house until the BLA makes its decision about your application.
How to apply
To successfully lodge your application, you must:
- complete and lodge the form including all mandatory fields, and
- upload all required attachments (see Required additional documents below), and
- pay the fee through the online payment gateway.
Note: If any of those steps is not completed, the form is not successfully submitted and the application is not lodged. Successful lodgement is essential for all current rooming house operators within 120 days of the start date of the scheme.
Required additional documents
The BLA requires the following for each applicant including all officers of a body corporate applicant:
A completed Consent to criminal history and other records check (Word, 141KB).
Certified copies of 100 points of identification documents including evidence of your current residential address. These details are listed on the Consent to criminal history and other records check form.
Complete and lodge your licence application online
You can lodge your licence application through our myCAV system.
To do so, you must create a myCAV account (or log into your existing account, if you already have one).
Create or sign-in to your myCAV account
After you lodge your application
Processing time
To avoid delays, please complete the form correctly and attach all necessary documents. The estimated average processing time for applications is 21 days.
Note: the processing time may take longer due to the initial volume of applications during the 120 day transition period.
Additional information
When considering your application, the BLA may require you to provide further information. The BLA may refuse your application if you do not provide this within a reasonable timeframe.
Change of information
If any change occurs in the information you have provided in your licence application, you must notify the BLA in writing within 14 days of becoming aware of the change.
Sharing your information
The BLA gives your information to:
- Consumer Affairs Victoria
- other law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
These organisations may report any relevant information to the BLA.
For privacy information, view Information and privacy - BLA.
Withdrawing your application
You can withdraw your application in writing at any time before it has been determined by the BLA.
Please note: the application fee is non-refundable.
Refusal of application
For more information about refusal of licence applications and applying for a review of the decision, view Refusal of licence.
Successful application
If your application is successful, you will receive a rooming house operator’s licence which is ongoing unless cancelled. Once you are licensed, you must notify the BLA of any change to your licence details. For more information, view Update licence details.
For information about your ongoing legal obligations, view Running your business and our Rooming houses residents guide.
Term of licence
Licences will be issued by the BLA for three years, in the first instance.