Land Sharing for Tiny Home Living: A Guide for Landowners and Tiny Home owners alike
The trend of land sharing for tiny home living is taking off, and it's easy to see why. Landowners leasing space to tiny home owners offers an innovative solution to the growing demand for affordable and sustainable housing. Tiny home owners can often afford the tiny homes, but in this dire market not the land for it to go on. Therefore, to remain debt free and independent, they lease the land they occupy. This arrangement benefits both parties and has many advantages:
Benefits for both
1.Income for Landowners – Leasing out land provides landowners with a steady income stream without the need for heavy investment. It's a great way to make use of idle land while supporting the tiny home movement and community.
2.Affordability for Tiny Home Owners – Tiny home living is inherently affordable, but finding a place to park long-term can be challenging. Leasing land allows tiny home dwellers to establish roots without the high costs of buying land.
3.Sense of Community – Land sharing can create a unique bond between landowners and tenants. Many tiny home communities thrive on shared values, from sustainability to resourcefulness, creating a supportive and vibrant environment.
While this setup is mutually beneficial, it also comes with important considerations and legal nuances, especially around council requirements and resource consents.
Navigating Resource Consent for Tiny Homes on Wheels
One of the biggest challenges in land sharing arrangements is the need for resource consent. Most councils in New Zealand view a tiny home on wheels as a dwelling if it’s occupied permanently. This means it generally requires resource consent to ensure compliance with local zoning laws and council regulations.
Not all properties are the same when it comes to securing resource consent. Some land already has the necessary provisions, while others can obtain them with relative ease. However, in some cases, obtaining consent is more challenging, depending on whether the council considers it a “controlled” or “discretionary” activity on that specific property.
Our Daily Experience with Land Leases and Resource Consent
As tiny home builders and consultants, we see the complexities of land leasing arrangements every day. Over 75% of our clients live on leased land, and we receive regular offers from landowners eager to share their land with tiny home enthusiasts. However, we know how fragile this arrangement can become if resource consents aren’t properly checked for the individual property.
Given the demand we’ve seen for clarity around these matters, we've recently launched a consultation service to help landowners and tiny home owners navigate these important legal and zoning issues.
Ruru Tiny Homes: Consultation Packages for Land Lease Solutions
To support both landowners and tiny home dwellers in making informed decisions, we offer property reviews and consultations in three tailored packages. These packages provide an affordable first step into exploring land lease solutions, clarifying zoning requirements, and navigating council regulations.
Visit our website for more details on our packages and pricing. Whether you're a landowner considering leasing out space or a tiny home enthusiast looking for the perfect spot, understanding the ins and outs of land leasing is essential. Reach out to us to discuss your property – being informed is crucial for such a significant commitment on both sides of the lease.
Land sharing can offer immense benefits and build vibrant tiny home communities when done right. Let's work together to make sure it's a sustainable, secure, and rewarding arrangement for everyone involved.