Given the rise of online platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz, the NSW Government has commissioned a Parliamentary Inquiry into the regulation of short-term holiday letting services.
In response, REINSW has recently put forward a submission addressing the terms of reference for the Parliamentary Inquiry.
There has been a significant growth of short-term and online letting, dramatically changing the character of the market. As mentioned, online booking platforms are at the forefront of this change, allowing for short-term tenants to easily access properties to lease.
The rise of this type of short term letting presents particular issues, including:
- breaches of strata laws and by-laws relating to nuisance;
- breaches of Council and planning regulations by owners and tenants allowing short term stays;
- issues in relation to the safety of occupants and the amenity of the occupants of neighbouring properties;
- issues in connection with the collection of rent and bonds, as people who let their properties through online booking platforms are not licensed real estate agents;
- copyright infringements, as people may be using ‘stolen’ professional images to advertise the properties on websites.
REINSW’s submission addresses the following topics:
- the current situation in NSW;
- the differences between traditional accommodation providers and online platforms;
- the growth of short-term and online letting, and the changing character of the market;
- the economic impacts of short-term letting on local and the state economies;
- regulatory issues posed by short-term letting including customer safety, land use planning and neighbourhood amenity, and licensing and taxation.
For more information on the parliamentary inquiry click here >>>