I certainly don't have a problem with it, but - common sense has to prevail. Do I want to be surrounded by slums with 20 people living in each one with cars all over the place? Of course not.
In saying that, like an above poster said, generally speaking our planning laws are draconian, far too bureaucratic, and outdated.
People need places to live, including cheap places. Investors want money, and in the vast majority of cases, will take that extra $300 or so per week for venturing into "grey" legal territory.
As someone on the investor/landlord side of things, I've certainly bent the rules with a few of my ventures. BUT - I'm not breaking any "common sense" rules.
I am in full support of people converting garages/adding rooms as long as the following rules are met
- Saftey. Smoke alarms. Fire proof walls. Anyone who doesnt do this should be ashamed for putting their tenants at risk!
- Adequate car parking
- Presentability of the home to the street front
- Not overdoing it. (i.e I've heard of a guy cramming 20 of his korean workers in a house...yeah...dont do that).
- Keep any impact to your neighbors life to an absolute minimum.
