21-05-2025
Manuel has lived peacefully in his beloved tiny home for two years. But now the council has come knocking - armed with a $1million threat
A Brazilian expat chasing the quiet life in a sleepy, rural town could lose his beloved 'tiny home' following a $1million threat from his local council.
Manuel Bohn, 30, has been living in the Bega Valley on NSW 's southeast coast for seven years, the past two of which he has resided on a friend's property.
But in May, he received a compliance order under the Environmental Planning and Assessment code requesting the 'unauthorised dwelling' be demolished.
The council notice stated the tiny home, which sits on top of a caravan, would have to destroyed or a $1million fine for non-compliance would need to be paid.
Neither Mr Bohn or the property owner sought council approval or lodged a development application for the home, which is now the only thing standing between the expat and homelessness.
Mr Bohn told Daily Mail Australia the notice had come entirely out of the blue.
'We live so simply, we try to grow vegetables, slow the rush of life when we can and appreciate the quietness of our lives here, never chasing any conflict,' he said.
'There was no warning. Council simply emitted this letter, there was no previous contact or dialogue.
'The letter mentioned an investigation that happened on site, which never happened.
'The pictures attached to it were taken from a neighbour's place without any consent.
'We replied to it, questioning most of its content and the approach taken by the compliance officer.'
Mr Bohn said the notice set a poor precedent amid Australia's current housing crisis.
'Building the tiny home came in a moment quite delicate to me, as I don't rely on family wealth or any kind of main financial support, it was an affordable and reachable way to create a space where I could feel safe and also that I belonged to,' he said.
'Put simply, in this country I personally only own what I had to work for, the tiny house is today my biggest belonging. Many years of work went into it. If I lose it, I'll lose most of my life in Australia.'
Mr Bohn is now waiting on a second letter from the council, following an inspection of the home and a call with his landlords.
Bega Valley Council told Daily Mail Australia they would be reviewing the tiny home.
Pictured is photos of the tiny home taken by the council from a neighbouring property
'Council is not able to discuss individual cases, however I can confirm the letter below was issued by Council following investigation of a complaint,' a spokeswoman said.
'Council staff will now assess the response provided by the property owners to determine next steps.'
In New South Wales, tiny homes fall through the cracks of the planning framework.
Mr Bohn has started a petition against the councils actions and urged planning authorities to reconsider the legislation surrounding tiny homes.
A tiny home is a small, purpose-built dwelling, often under 40sqm designed to include all essential living spaces within a compact space.
Many are built on trailers for mobility and flexibility, offering an affordable alternative for those priced out of the traditional housing market.
Tiny homes also appeal to those seeking a sustainable lifestyle, using fewer resources, generating less waste, and encouraging minimal consumption.
In NSW, a land use approval is required in most cases to give consent to use the land as a dwelling, through the lodging and assessment of a Development Application under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).
The type of dwelling then needs approval as either a building under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or as a manufactured home or caravan (movable dwelling) under section 68 of the Local Government Act, 1993.
If a development consent process has not been followed, with special considerations for sanitation and the environment, the development may not be approved.
