New South Wales government considers regulatory framework
Australia: According to a report on the Property Observer website, The New South Wales (NSW) government in Southeast Australia is set to bring in a regulatory framework for short-term rentals in the state.
It follows a news story from back in June when the local government in Sydney imposed a 180-day cap on the number of days empty properties can be rented out via Airbnb’s platform.
Now, the government is preparing to implement an updated regulatory framework within the next 12 months, including a mandatory code of conduct and a registration system for all short-term rental properties, as per the website’s report.
Kevin Anderson, a minister for NSW who is pushing for improved regulatory standards, has called on hosts, guests, neighbours, industry associations and booking platforms to have their say while the consultation period remains open.
He told Your Investment Property: “The mandatory code of conduct will facilitate oversight of short-term rental accommodation providers, including providing for the resolution of complaints and disputes regarding the conduct of hosts and guests.”
It was also reported that hosts or guests found to have committed two serious breaches of conduct within two years will face a five-year ban from operating short-term rentals in New South Wales, while platforms and letting agents will also receive penalties such as a potential exclusion.
Anderson said: “Under the code, all participants will be required to act honestly and in good faith and comply with directions and requests from the commissioner for fair trading.”
The consultation period will allow hosts and guests to have their say on creating an industry that responsibly regulates short-term rentals without having a detrimental effect on guests’ experiences.
