NSW release draft code of conduct for short term rental accomodation
The New South Wales government have released the draft code for the Short-term Rental Accomodation (STRA) industry.
"Compliance with this code is mandatory for all short-term rental accommodation industry participants," the code reads.
One of the biggest changes will be an exclusion register, publicly available online which will list banned hosts and guests.
The bans, that last five years, will be administered on a strike process.
Two strikes in a two year period will put the guest or host on the register.
The commissioner for Fair Trading in the NSW Department of Customer Service is tasked with administering the code.
The STRA industry is estimated to be worth $16 billion to the NSW economy, nearly half of the $31.3 billion national worth.
The 16 page draft code put forward four objectives of the new regulations.
set out the rights and obligations of short-term rental accommodation industry participants
provide for resolution of disputes and complaints concerning the conduct of short-term rental accommodation industry participants
outline the compliance and enforcement approach that applies for contraventions of the code by short-term rental accommodation industry participants
facilitate the oversight of the short-term rental accommodation industry.
Greg Channer, managing director of Wollongong holiday home property manager Emerald & Aqua, said the company welcome the draft code for the Short-term Rental Accomodation (STRA), having been engaged in the review process which began in 2015.
“The short term rental accommodation is a key driver of tourism in rural and regional NSW and clearly the impacts on residents amenity resulting from inconsiderate or anti-social behaviour by some short-term rental guests needs to be addressed," Channer said.
"The industry is being held accountable for poor guests’ behaviour, it's these few guests and the culture of party houses that needs addressing. “
Channer suggested the current draft code does not go far enough to protect the amenity of neighbours and residents.
"Booking platforms need to take a greater responsibility for unreasonable disturbance, remove ‘Instant Booking’ features and ensure property managers speak with each guest prior to accepting their booking request and qualify the reason and nature of their stay.”
Channer estimates the STRA industry in the Illawarra generates around $3.7 million a year to the local economy directly to the area's cafes, restaurants and tour operators.