Short-term rental accommodation policy supports communities and homeowners

An updated policy for Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) will benefit homeowners who want to take advantage of holiday rentals while providing more certainty and safety for locals and visitors.

Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Executive Director of Local Government and Economic Policy Luke Walton introduced the updated policy after extensive consultation with the STRA industry and said it delivered a balanced outcome for locals and visitors alike.

“The sector has suffered during the pandemic but our whole-of-government approach will get businesses and homeowners back on their feet as restrictions ease and we provide certainty ahead of the popular summer months,” Mr Walton said.

“We can now share a clear set of rules that support the $30 billion a year industry while protecting the rights of hosts, guests and neighbours.

“To ensure long-term renters don’t lose out to the holiday crowd, we’ll set a cap of 180 days for homes across Greater Sydney where the owner lives elsewhere.

“We’ll also put more onus on the sector to stamp out bad behaviour with the new government-run property register, mandatory Code of Conduct and exclusion register ensure properties are up to scratch.”

The updated STRA policy will include:

  • A 180-day cap for homes across Greater Sydney where the owner lives elsewhere, while giving other NSW councils the option to apply to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for this cap;
  • Hosted STRA homeowners being able to rent their homes out 365 days of the year;
  • Minimum fire safety standards; and
  • A Code of Conduct for hosts, guests, online booking platforms and agents.

The Code of Conduct and exclusion register is in force from today. The updated policy will be implemented in June 2021.

/Public Release. View in full here.