Hostel accommodation

We regulate and monitor the standard of operations in rental accommodation premises to ensure the health and safety of its occupants.

You need a licence from us if you are operating a hostel or backpackers accommodation.

Licences are valid until the 31 August each year and are renewed annually. There are no fees for a new licence or licence renewal. For more information visit Permits & licensing renewals.

Compliance

You and your staff are responsible for complying with all requirements of the relevant legislation. Refer to the relevant laws.

You may need other licences to operate your business, including a food business licence, swimming pool licence, and/or an advertising signs licence. For more information visit Permits & licensing, or contact our City Standards team on 07 5667 5987.

How to apply

Use this application to apply for a hostel accommodation licence. No fees apply.

Before submitting your application, make sure your site has the appropriate development approval to prevent your application being delayed.

Use one of the options below to submit your application.

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • site plan / floor plan detailing:
    - access to and egress from the accommodation
    - proposed use of each room
    - location and type of all rooms
    - sanitary facilities
    - laundry facilities
    - shared facilities
  • certificate of compliance issued by Queensland Fire & Rescue Service
  • certificate of classification of building.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the hostel accommodation licence application form(PDF, 208KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email to: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • site plan / floor plan detailing:
    - access to and egress from the accommodation
    - proposed use of each room
    - location and type of all rooms
    - sanitary facilities
    - laundry facilities
    - shared facilities
  • certificate of compliance issued by Queensland Fire & Rescue Service
  • certificate of classification of building.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the hostel accommodation licence application form(PDF, 208KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application at one of our customer service centres Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • site plan / floor plan detailing:
    - access to and egress from the accommodation
    - proposed use of each room
    - location and type of all rooms
    - sanitary facilities
    - laundry facilities
    - shared facilities
  • certificate of compliance issued by Queensland Fire & Rescue Service
  • certificate of classification of building.

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the hostel accommodation licence application form(PDF, 208KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

Amend licence/permit

Use the Amend licence/permit form to apply to:

  • change your business or contact information
  • modify your operation or request a change to conditions of approval.

Cancel a licence/permit

Use the Cancel a licence/permit form to cancel an existing licence/permit. No fees apply.

Replace approval documentation

Use the Replace approval documentation form to apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence.

Transfer an existing licence/permit

Use the Transfer of licence/permit form when taking over an existing business that has a current licence.

Request a licence search

If you are looking at buying licensed premises such as an existing hostel accommodation, we recommend you apply for a health licence search to confirm there is a current approval and ensure the exiting owner is complying with licence conditions.

Request a health licence search

Related information

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