Airbnb owners face challenges amid COVID-19
Strata professionals advise apartment owners to be vigilant about accepting bookings after a family used one property for self-isolation without the owner’s knowledge.
People letting their apartments for short-term platforms such as Airbnb need to be vigilant about whom they accept bookings from after a family self-isolating due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) rented a property without stating their purpose to the owner, according to Archers the Strata Professionals.
Archers the Strata Professionals Partner Grant Mifsud said that the family who booked the Sunshine Coast apartment recently through Airbnb had just returned from China.
“The family was self-isolating for 14 days and booked the apartment without advising anybody they were using the property for that purpose,” Mr Mifsud said.
“We have had other reports from strata managers of people making Airbnb bookings to self-isolate.
“It’s a reminder for owners renting out their properties through Airbnb and other platforms to closely monitor who is staying in their unit and what bookings they accept.”
While there are no rules against self-isolating in a short-term rental property yet, owners are rightfully entitled to be aware of the situation, according to Mr Mifsud.
Similarly, rental property owners have the right to refuse any booking if deemed necessary.
“It’s important for them to be aware of this as many apartments are part of a resort or holiday complex, so there would be a greater risk to other people staying in the complex,” he said.
Queensland Health is working with the Australian Border Force to screen anyone who returns to Australia from overseas for symptoms of COVID-19 and provide them with information on self-quarantine.
Those who have been overseas and are feeling well are still advised to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date they arrived in Australia.
Self-quarantine generally means staying in your home, hotel room or provided accommodation, and not leaving for the period you are required to quarantine. No visitors are allowed.
In Queensland, failure to comply with the self-isolating guidelines may be subject to enforced quarantine and receiving fines of up to $13,345 and other penalties.
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