NSW Legislation for Short Term Rental Accommodation STRA and AIRBNB’s

Short-term rental accommodation is a long-standing practice in New South Wales however changes in technology have seen a rise in online booking services, such as Airbnb, contributing to a significant increase in short-term rental accommodation options.

As a result, the NSW Government has put in place a set of planning policies that regulate the short-term rental accommodation industry in order to benefit hosts, guests and communities alike.

In order to assist property managers and owners alike we have compiled a summary of the requirements. To assist in fulfilling these requirements we offer a concierge service to ready properties so that owners can list on the STRA register.

For those who would like to arrange for themselves we have a comprehensive directory of resources and directory of services to assist you.

Property Management & Owner Responsibilities for Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA)

From Nov 1st 2021, all short term holiday rentals are required to register as hosts on the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register. Failure to do so will mean hosts and managing agents will be unable to advertise on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Stayz or host guests in short term rental accommodation.

WHEN REGISTERING ON THE STRA REGISTER, HOSTS ARE REQUIRED TO;

Meet the requirements of the NSW Code of Conduct for the STRA Industry and specifically host obligations including:

• The host must not be in breach of any planning laws, criminal law or by laws if in a strata property.

• The host must hold appropriate liability insurance for covering third party death or injury on the premises

• The host must provide guests with a copy of the code of conduct - electronic or hard copy, emergency contact details for host or representative and emergency contact details of an electrician and plumber as well as emergency services. They must also provide a copy of the by laws to guests if in a strata property.

• Hosts must inform neighbours and the strata body (if appropriate) that hosts are using the property for short term rental and provide neighbours with an emergency contact for the host or their representative.

NSW legislation requires STRA hosts to provide an Emergency Information Book to assist visitors who may be less familiar with the property and the local area. The book should include but not be limited to:

• Identification of all local hazards that are specific to the property and the surrounding areas.

• Contact details of the relevant emergency services who are the first responders to the identified hazards - for example: RFS and SES

• All relevant information sources such as websites, emergency apps and local radio frequencies etc so guests can stay up to date in an emergency, such as a bushfire or flood.

You can purchase your customised and tailored Emergency information Booklet here.

Meet the Fire Safety Standards for STRA. These requirements will differ by the class of dwelling, if there is an accessible garage or if this is locked off for host use only and the number of bedrooms in the property. A summary of these requirements include but are not limited to;

• Properties will need to have interconnected smoke alarms (either hardwired or min 10 years lithium battery) as well as heat alarms in private use garages. Fire solution companies can assist with meeting your smoke alarm requirements.

• All properties will be required to have an evacuation diagram affixed to or beside the entrance door to the premises and within each bedroom on or adjacent to the door to the bedroom.

• In addition strata properties will be required to have an egress door, fire blanket and portable fire extinguisher.