A tiny home which began as a dream for Kathryn Payne, after she was diagnosed with epilepsy, has become little more than a $130,000 storage unit in her dad’s front yard.<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old West Australian and her father purchased the tiny home in 2023 to help kickstart her independence, while also having her close to home so she could be supported medically.<\/p>\n
“It’s felt absolutely horrendous to be having to deal with this, especially because I brought my dad into it,” Ms Payne said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ms Payne had hoped to progress her professional life but has been bogged down by her tiny home nightmare. (ABC News: Cason Ho)<\/p>\n
Under WA law, people can camp in tiny homes on wheels on private property for up to two years with local council approval.<\/p>\n
But the tiny home is in limbo after a neighbour complained to the council \u2014 the City of Wanneroo \u2014 which is now demanding the structure be removed from the property.<\/p>\n
“I feel like my life has just been pulled right out from underneath me,” Ms Payne said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Gerald Payne says the City of Wanneroo has provided little clarity about why the tiny home is not allowed. (ABC News: Cason Ho)<\/p>\n
The City of Wanneroo is threatening to fine her father Gerald Payne $50,000 if the tiny home remains in his front yard.<\/p>\n
“I can’t take a hit like that, and I don’t know what to do,” Mr Payne said.<\/p>\n
“It’s been unbelievably stressful.”<\/p>\n
Mr Payne, 67, took money from his superannuation to pay for his daughter’s tiny home, and to pay off most of his own mortgage.<\/p>\n
He said they have tried to sell the tiny home following the local council’s disapproval, but sales have always fallen through after the situation was explained to prospective buyers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ms Payne’s tiny home on wheels has a shower and loft sleeping area. (ABC News: Cason Ho)<\/p>\n
“We’re honest people, we don’t want to saddle someone else with this. We want them to know what they’re getting themselves into,” he said.<\/p>\n
“They’re facing the same uncertainty with councils. This is the big thing \u2026 there’s no clarity, there’s no certainty.”<\/p>\n
In a statement, the City of Wanneroo said it had provided “clear advice” on the requirements needed to ensure the structure meets safety and amenity standards.<\/p>\n
“The City applies these laws consistently and fairly to maintain community safety and protect the rights of all residents,” it said.<\/p>\n
‘Complication and confusion’<\/p>\n
The Payne family’s experience is just one example of the broader issue sweeping through Australia.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Smaller tiny homes can be classified as caravans if they meet road regulations. (Supplied: Aussie Tiny Houses)<\/p>\n
Griffith University urban management and planning emeritus professor Paul Burton said many councils were grappling with the definition and regulation of tiny homes.<\/p>\n
“Across the country as a whole, it’s a picture of great variation, complication and confusion,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Tiny homes won’t solve the housing crisis, but they’ll make a valuable contribution, so we shouldn’t ignore them.”<\/p>\n
The Shire of Esperance in WA was the first council to implement a tiny home policy<\/a> in 2023, recognising tiny houses as permanent dwellings, and other councils have since started creating their own policies<\/a>.<\/p>\n But in many councils, people living in tiny homes are being served eviction notices and building orders<\/a>.<\/p>\n