NSW short-term rental accommodation rules kick off 1 November

The new STRA policy requires hosts to register their property and pay their registration fee via the NSW Planning Portal.

The STRA registration applies to owners of residential accommodation such as houses, units and terraces.

All completed STRA registrations will then be issued with an STRA Property ID number (STRA-PID-XXXX), which must be displayed on online property listings.

The introduction of the holiday rental code was initially slated to kick off on 30 July, but was delayed following strong reactions from councils and online rental companies.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes has encouraged owners to register early to avoid missing out on the expected swell of visitors.

He said: “With restrictions easing and summer on the horizon, our regions are set to boom with holidaymakers, and many of them will be staying in short-term rental accommodation.

“Registration is straightforward and enables a sector worth $30 billion annually to operate and thrive under a clear set of standards.”

The STRA registration requirement follows the introduction of a mandatory code of conduct governing short-term holiday rentals late last year, which enabled the banning of holiday rental guests “from hell”. 

Alongside the latest STRA rule changes, holiday rental hosts will also be required to comply with fire safety standards.

Given the recent stay-at-home orders, a grace period will apply.

Hosts will be able to register their short-term rental as required but delay the fire and safety requirement until 1 March 2022, giving hosts an extra four months to ensure their dwelling complies with the fire safety standards.

These fire safety standards include, but are not limited to, the availability of clear evacuation diagrams, fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency contacts at the property.