The McGowan Government is adopting nearly all of the recommendations arising from the recent parliamentary inquiry into short-stay accommodation.
The whole-of-Government response to the 2019 Parliamentary Inquiry Levelling the Playing Field – Managing the impact of the rapid increase of Short-Term Rentals in Western Australia aims to introduce better management of the industry at a community level.
Led by Jessica Shaw MLA, the inquiry presented 10 recommendations to improve outdated and inconsistent policy governing short-term rentals, and create greater certainty for the tourism industry, accommodation providers and guests.
The inquiry found that short-term rentals are a genuine income source for some people and are increasingly widely used by guests; however there was no regulation of the industry and numerous examples of adverse impacts on neighbours and local communities.
The State Government has adopted a whole-of-Government approach to respond to the recommendations, including investigating appropriate regulatory or legislative frameworks that can meet the needs of this rapidly changing sector.
A key recommendation is the adoption of a flexible, low cost and simple registration scheme for all short-term accommodation providers across the State.
Some of the actions to be undertaken include:
- amending land use definitions to differentiate between hosted and un-hosted accommodation;
- investigating the introduction deemed provisions into all planning schemes for hosted accommodation to be exempt from local government approval;
- developing legislative or regulatory mechanisms to require the display of a valid registration number for short-term rentals advertised on online platforms;
- updating strata title guidance to include powers and processes open to strata companies to manage short-term rentals; and
- development of an education campaign to ensure owners, property managers and purchasers are aware of their obligations regarding short-term rental properties.
An interagency working group has now been established and the State Government is committed to working with local governments and accommodation providers to ensure that all short-term rental properties are registered and display a valid registration number.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The McGowan Government is committed to achieving appropriate regulatory reform for Western Australia, and that includes providing clear and consistent guidance for the benefit of both short-stay accommodation providers and the broader community.
“We acknowledge the value that the community places on having access to short-term rentals and the contribution this sector is making to our economy through emerging service industries and new jobs – but we must also make sure there are appropriate protocols in place to ensure sustainability and support our traditional accommodation providers.
“This is a complex issue and we acknowledge that local governments across the State have had good and bad experiences in this sector – and that they will have specific requirements that need to be considered moving forward.
“The real estate industry, planners, developers and local governments need clear guidance on requirements for the short-stay accommodation market and we will take a co-ordinated approach across Government to achieve this.
“It is important that we support this valued and emerging part of our tourism industry and that we develop the appropriate governance to ensure visitors to Western Australia have a choice of accommodation options now and into the future.
“Any registration scheme for short-term rental accommodation will ensure that guests know that they are protected and will be supported by a public education campaign for owners, property managers and purchasers.”
Minister’s office – 6552 5500
