Portable Cabin Hire FAQs
Have a question about renting a portable cabin? You will find answers to the most common questions below. If you cannot find what you are looking for, get in touch and Royce will be happy to help.
Delivery and Set-Up
How are the cabins delivered?
Cabins are towed to your property using a 4×4 vehicle with the appropriate safety equipment for over-dimension loads. We need clear, unobstructed access to get the cabin into position on your site. For insurance reasons, we are unable to use a neighbouring property for access.
Can the cabin be built on site?
No. All cabins are built in our factory and delivered to you ready to use. There is no on-site construction involved.
Can we pick up the cabin ourselves?
No. Moving the cabins requires specialist drivers and equipment. The cabins are not insured for hirers to tow or transport themselves.
Does the cabin stay on its trailer?
Yes. Each cabin is built on its own trailer and chassis and stays on it for the duration of the hire.
What site conditions do you need?
The site needs to be flat or near level. We need at least 3.5 metres of clear space around the cabin and 0.5 metres of clearance above it, with no overhanging trees or roof eaves in the way. There also needs to be enough room to manoeuvre the cabin into position on delivery.
How far from the boundary does the cabin need to be?
In most areas at least 1.5 metres, and in some cases 3 metres. We recommend checking with your local council before delivery to confirm what applies to your property.
How high are the cabins?
3.2 metres at the highest point.
Costs and Rental Terms
What are your rental rates?
We offer tiered weekly rates depending on how long you rent. The longer the term, the better the rate.
| Cabin | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months |
| 3.6m x 2.4m | $85/wk | $75/wk | $65/wk |
| 4.8m x 2.4m | $145/wk | $130/wk | $120/wk |
| 6.0m x 2.4m | $280/wk | $245/wk | $230/wk |
| 7.2m x 2.7m | $305/wk | $275/wk | $255/wk |
What is the minimum rental period?
The minimum rental period is 3 months for all cabins, whether for residential or commercial use.
Is a bond required?
Yes. A bond of $500 is required for the 3.6m x 2.4m and 4.8m x 2.4m cabins. A bond of $1,000 is required for the 6.0m x 2.4m and 7.2m x 2.7m cabins.
What does delivery cost?
Delivery and pick-up starts from $150 for local Whangarei deliveries. For properties elsewhere in Northland, ask Royce for a quote at the time of enquiry.
What happens at the end of the rental period?
Two weeks notice is required before the end of your rental period. Once notice has been given, Royce will arrange a time to come and collect the cabin. There is no formal inspection process, though standard bond conditions apply regarding the condition of the cabin on return.
Is a credit check required?
Yes, we do conduct a credit check as part of the application process.
Are animals allowed in the cabins?
No. Animals are not permitted inside the cabins. Additional cleaning charges will apply if animal odour is present at the end of the hire.
Is smoking allowed in the cabins?
No. Smoking is not permitted inside the cabins. Additional cleaning charges will apply if smoke odour is present at the end of the hire.
Power
How is power connected?
We supply a 15 metre caravan lead and interface box. This plugs into a standard 3-pin power point at the house or a builder’s pole on site. All cabins have a current electrical warrant of fitness.
Can we use a generator?
Yes, a generator can be used provided it is positioned no less than 15 metres from the cabin.
Water and Plumbing
How is water connected?
We supply a 15mm alkathene hose that connects to an outside tap. Please note that standard garden hoses cannot be used as they do not meet health and safety requirements. Tank water is fine as long as a pressure pump is in use, as gravity feed from a header tank is not sufficient. Water pressure needs to be between 25psi and 75psi with a minimum flow rate of 5 litres per minute.
How is water heated?
Water is heated by a continuous gas califont. Two 9kg gas bottles are required. Royce can supply these on request, or you can source your own.
What are the toilet options?
Our cabins come with a chemical toilet and holding tank. The tank is emptied by the hirer down a toilet or sewage drain and will typically need doing around once a week. A flush toilet option with pump system may be available, so ask Royce at the time of enquiry.
Where does grey water go?
Grey water can go into a bucket, an external portable tank, or a soak hole.
Consents and Compliance
Do we need a building consent for the cabin?
No. Our cabins are similar in classification to a caravan and can be used as temporary accommodation without a building consent. However, resource consent may be required if the cabin is positioned too close to a boundary. We recommend checking with your local council if you are unsure.
TV and Internet
How do we connect a TV?
A TV aerial cable is spooled up under the cabin directly below the connection point inside. If you are having a Sky dish installed, it must not be fixed to the cabin itself and should be attached to a nearby building or post instead.
How do we connect phone or internet?
A phone and internet cable is also spooled under the cabin below the internal connection point. This will need to connect back to the house. If you are planning to use a nearby WiFi connection, we recommend testing the signal from your planned cabin position before delivery day, as a full delivery charge applies if the cabin needs to be relocated on the same site.
Appliances
Are appliances supplied with the cabin?
No. Appliances are not included. You will need to supply your own.
Can I use gas appliances inside the cabin?
No, gas appliances including gas heaters are not permitted inside our rental cabins.
General
What happens if there is an issue with the cabin during my hire?
Call Royce directly and he will sort it. As the owner and sole operator, he is the person who delivered your cabin and he is the person who will come back out if something needs attention.
What areas do you service?
We service the whole of Northland. If you are unsure whether we can reach your property, give Royce a call and he will let you know.
Is Top End Cabin Rentals the same as a Portacom® or Portakabin®?
You may have heard portable cabins referred to as a Portacom or Portakabin. These are registered trademarks belonging to their respective companies. Top End Cabin Rentals is completely independent and not affiliated with either brand. We supply our own range of quality portable rental cabins built to residential standards. If a relocatable cabin is what you need, we can help.
How do I apply to rent a cabin?
Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements. We will talk through the options, confirm availability, and guide you through the application process from there.
