Is It legal To live In A Garden Shed?

 Modern Garden Sheds are just as likely to be used as dedicated home offices, craft rooms or gyms as a tired tool store at the bottom of the garden. 

 Can you live in one? That's the big question. The short answer is no, if you’re talking about a traditional garden shed.  Planning permission is required for any garden structure that will be used as a regular sleeping area or full-time "granny  and must comply with current building regulations. The good news?  With the appropriate modifications and adherence to building regulations, you can use your shed as an occasional extra bedroom.  Here’s how.

 Be clear about the purpose of your shed. Shed Base Insulated Garden Room with brown UPVC doors

 This premium insulated garden room makes a great occasional bedroom

 Image: 4x4m Edwinstowe Premium Insulated Garden Room with oak UPVC from Shed Base

 Putting a sofa bed in your garden room that guests, children, or snoring partners might spend a rare night in is very different to setting up a proper bedroom that will be slept in regularly. 

 For occasional use, most people can construct a shed or garden room under permitted development rights (i.e. without applying for planning permission) and add a sofa bed for the odd guest. 

 However, your garden room must comply with Building Regulations if someone is going to sleep in it. 

 And for those who want to sleep regularly in their shed, or create more permanent self-contained accommodation, you must comply with Building Regulations AND apply for planning permission. 

 It’s important to understand that planning permission and Building Regulations are not the same thing. 

 Why it’s important to comply with building regulations

 Two employees with building regulations Building Regulations officers will inspect the work on your shed


 To sleep in a shed or Garden Shed Base, it must comply with Building Regulations.  These control the quality of the building’s structure, the materials used and ensure that it’s safe for sleeping in.  Building regulations control the standards and safety of all living accommodation, including ancillary bedrooms in garage conversions or outbuildings. 

 In General, Building Regulations Cover Things like:

 Foundations and floor construction 

 Structural stability

 Insulation, heating and double-glazing

 Electricity 

 Plumbing and drainage 

 Fire proofing

 When you have completed the work to the correct standard, and it has been inspected by the relevant authority, you will receive a certificate.  If in doubt, seek the advice of your local planning authority before you begin. 

 Do I need planning permission to live in a shed?

 Interior of log cabin decorated with furniture

 Premium log cabins from Waltons have separate internal rooms

 Image: 6x4m Premium Kingfisher Log Cabin from Waltons

 To set your garden building up as a regularly used bedroom, or to create self-contained accommodation that can be lived in more permanently, you will need to apply for planning permission as well as comply with Building Regulations. 

 Before purchasing a log cabin, insulated garden room or summer house from Shed Base , contact your local planning office for advice.  Planning permission rules differ depending on where you live in the UK, but your local council’s duty Planning Officer will be happy to guide you through the process.  Our guide to planning permission also contains more information. 

 Do I have to pay council tax to sleep in a shed?

 Council tax valuation notice

 Consult your council to find out if you’ll need to pay tax for a self-contained shed

 If you create self-contained accommodation in your shed or outbuilding, bear in mind that you may be required to pay council tax.  If the garden room is inhabited by a family member, under the ‘granny council tax’ rules of 2014, you may be entitled to a 50% reduction or, in some cases, a full exemption.  But do get in touch with your local council as it’s your responsibility to find out. 

 Living in your shed, log cabin or garden room requires contact with your local planning department but, with a little effort, it’s certainly possible.  If you haven’t yet bought a garden building, check with your planning officer before you take the next step.  They will be happy to help you achieve something that is safe and comfortable.

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