Rental Types

Compare Rental Types and Requirements

See what’s allowed, what permits you need, and how regulations differ across rental durations.

Short-term rental

Allowed with permit

Under 30 nights

Airbnb, VRBO, direct booking

Permit required

Type 1 or Type 2 STR Licence

Type 1 = owner-occupied · Type 2 = non-owner-occupied

90-night annual cap for non-primary residences in restricted zones

Licence number must appear on all listing platforms

Max occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional

Need the full application walkthrough?

Get your STR licence

Mid-term rental

Generally allowed

30–365 nights

Furnished monthly stays

Permit required

No STR permit needed

Standard residential tenancy law applies · Written lease recommended

No annual night cap or density restrictions

No Hotel Occupancy Tax — meaningfully lower tax burden

Landlord-tenant rights apply — deposit, habitability, and notice obligations

Mid-term is lower friction. Get the basics right.

Get Property Report

Long-term rental

Fully allowed

12-month lease

Standard residential

Permit required

None — standard residential use

Residential Property Code governs · No STR obligations

No permits, night caps, or density restrictions

No Hotel Occupancy Tax obligations

Standard habitability, notice, and deposit rules apply

taxes

What Applies and Who Handles It

Understand which taxes apply, who collects them, and what you’re responsible for, especially when handling direct bookings.

STATE

Hotel Occupancy Tax

Collected by

Airbnb, VRBO

Who files

Platform on your behalf

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

County

County HOT

Collected by

Platform or operator

Direct bookings

You must register & file

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

CITY

City hOT

Collected by

Platform or operator

Filing frequency

Monthly

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

Combined total

All taxes, all levels

17%

OTA bookings

Platforms handle state portion

Direct bookings

You collect & file all three

Mid / Long-term

No HOT applies

Direct bookings mean three separate filings

Miss one and you're exposed. Lodge Compliance helps you automates all three

Automate Taxes Now

FAQs & Guides

Common Question From Operators

Clear answers to help you understand what’s required, and a straightforward way to get it done.

Let's Get You Compliant

How do I register my property as an STR in Texas?

Do I need a permit for mid-term rentals in Texas?

How do I handle taxes if I take direct bookings?

What happens if I don't comply?

Overview

Australia, a land of stunning natural beauty and bustling urban centers, has become a hotspot for travelers seeking diverse experiences. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on Bondi Beach, sipping coffee with panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, or exploring the vibrant laneways of Melbourne from a chic downtown apartment. Popular destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast attract millions of visitors each year, contributing significantly to the country's booming tourism industry. The rise of short-term rentals (STR) has revolutionized the Australian accommodation landscape, offering tourists unique and personalized lodging options. Platforms like Airbnb, Stayz, and Booking.com have made it easier than ever for property owners to list their spaces and for travelers to find accommodations that suit their preferences. In the past year alone, tourism generated billions of dollars in revenue for Australia, with a notable portion stemming from the STR market.

Overview

The Australia & New Zealand Short Term Rental Association (ASTRA) is the peak body representing the short-term residential rental industry in Australia and New Zealand. Another notable association for STR in Australia is called SHORT TERM ACCOMODATION ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA (STAAA). The Australia Short Term Rental Association (ASTRA) is the peak body representing the short-term residential rental industry in Australia. With industry comprising around 180,000 properties across Australia, ASTRA’s members represent the interests of hosted and non-hosted residential property owners, operators, managers, agents, and property management and software businesses. The short-term rental industry has been delivering memorable guest experiences for more than 140 years, delivering real benefits to the economy, local communities, and tourism.

SHORT TERM ACCOMODATION ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA: At STAAA, the primary objective is to collaborate with all parties involved in creating a supportive regulatory framework that positions Australia as a leader in the short term accommodation sector. They strive to establish a stable and sustainable environment for our members’ businesses to thrive.

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