Upcoming changes: granny flats building consent exemption
The law is changing for small standalone dwellings, also known as granny flats. We have prepared new guidance and updated forms to help you get ready.
The granny flats building consent exemption will commence on 15 January 2026. This information is provided to help you prepare for the law change.
The exemption cannot be used until 15 January 2026.
What the changes are
From 15 January 2026, new provisions under the Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Act 2025 will take effect. These changes introduce a building consent exemption for certain small standalone dwellings (granny flats).
Amendments have also been made to:
- Building (Forms) Amendment Regulations 2025
- Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Amendment Regulations 2025
What this means for LBPs
Licensed building practitioners (LBPs) will play a critical role in making sure exempt granny flats meet quality and compliance standards.
Even though a building consent may not be required, LBPs must:
- Follow the exemption criteria outlined in the policy guidance.
- Complete and submit the correct forms (e.g. records of work)
- Make sure that all work meets the Building Code.
- Communicate clearly with clients about what the exemption covers, and what it does not.
Resources available
To help you prepare, MBIE has published key resources:
- Policy guidance [PDF 3.8 MB](external link): Comprehensive details on the exemption and compliance expectations.
- New and updated forms:
- Form: Record of work: sanitary plumbing and drainlaying for a non-consented small standalone dwelling [PDF 340KB](external link)
- Form 2AA: Application for project information memorandum for a non-consented small standalone dwelling [PDF 207KB](external link)
- Form 6A: Memorandum from licensed building practitioner (record of building work) [PDF, 383 KB]
- Form 2A: Memorandum from licensed building practitioner (record of design work) [PDF, 457 KB]
- Consistent key messages [644KB](external link): Suggested wording to help you communicate these changes.
- Fact sheets [593 KB](external link): Quick reference materials summarising essential information.
- Step-by-step guides [1.4 MB](external link): High-level overview of the steps to use the exemption.
Further resources, such as an e-learning module and technical guidance on foundation, will be available in early 2026.
Contact us
If you have questions, contact us at building@mbie.govt.nz.