Short-term rental accommodation (STRA) is the common name given to holiday homes, units or apartments offered for short-term or short-stay rental, usually through an online booking platform such as Airbnb, or a management agency. These properties are usually built for residential purposes in residential areas. Short-term rentals are defined as properties leased for a few days, to few weeks and usually less than three months. The Government’s regulation of short-term rental accommodation is focused on commercial arrangements, where a person is given the right to live in a home for up to three months at a time. STRA is either hosted - where the host lives on the property during the short-term stay, or unhosted - where guests have exclusive use of an entire dwelling, for example a whole house, villa or apartment.

Yes

In Australia, the maximum length of stay for short-term rentals is generally defined as stays of up to three months (90 days) for hosted stays the rule differ for non-hosted stays.

In certain council areas within New South Wales (NSW), there are restrictions on how many days a property can be used for non-hosted short-term rental accommodation (STRA) under the exempt development pathway.

Currently, non-hosted STRA is capped at a maximum of 180 days per year in the following regions:

• The Greater Sydney area, which includes the Eastern Harbour City, Central River City, and Western Parkland City.
• The Ballina region.
• Specific lands within the Clarence Valley area.
• Specific lands within the Muswellbrook area.

While there is no nationwide environmental regulation specific to short-term rentals, sustainability is increasingly being incorporated into local regulations. In some Australian states, like Victoria, energy efficiency standards and water conservation measures apply to all rental properties, including STRs. Properties are encouraged to comply with sustainability guidelines, such as using energy-efficient appliances, installing water-saving devices, and recycling waste. Hosts in eco-sensitive regions, such as those near national parks or coastal reserves, may also be subject to additional environmental protections aimed at preserving local biodiversity and minimizing the environmental impact of short-term rentals.

Generally in Australia if the Tribunal determines that the occupant has engaged in conduct that constitutes a breach of the code of conduct applying to short term holiday rental property occupants under this Act, the Tribunal may make an order imposing a civil penalty not exceeding $1250.

The Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Register, established under the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act 2024, tracks STRA activities in Western Australia. Key details, including registration steps and contact information, are available on the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) website.

Registration Requirements:

• All STRA properties must register by 1 January 2025, regardless of whether they require planning (development) approval.
• Registration enables property bookings and may require proof of planning approval as part of the process.
• STRA owners must comply with local planning laws, which may involve obtaining development approval. Updated local planning schemes will facilitate approvals by 1 January 2026.

Planning Regulations Updates:

• New planning rules provide clarity on when STRA proposals need approval, standardize definitions, and differentiate STRA from traditional accommodations like hotels.
• There are no restrictions on the number of nights a property can be rented, provided it is registered and meets all approval requirements.

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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.