Compliant

What are the most common legal requirements for short-term rentals in Australia?

Most Australian states and councils require:

• Registration/Permits: Some areas (e.g., NSW, Victoria) mandate registration or a permit for short-term rentals. For example, NSW requires hosts to register on the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Register.
• Strata/Body Corporate Rules: Many apartments have bylaws restricting short-term stays—check your strata agreement.
• Tax Obligations: You must declare rental income to the ATO, and some states (e.g., QLD, VIC) charge additional tourist taxes.
• Safety Standards: Smoke alarms, emergency exit plans, and sometimes compliance with the Building Code of Australia.

How do I check if my property complies with local STR laws?

• Council Websites: Search for "[Your Council] short-term rental regulations" (e.g., City of Sydney).
• State Government Portals:
  • NSW: Fair Trading STRA Hub
  • VIC: Consumer Affairs Victoria
  • QLD: Local Government Directory
• Platform Rules: Airbnb’s Australian Help Centre lists local requirements.

What happens if I operate a short-term rental without approval?

• Fines: Penalties vary by state—NSW fines can exceed $11,000 for unregistered properties.
• Platform Removal: Airbnb may suspend listings if councils report breaches (e.g., Melbourne’s 90-day annual cap for non-hosted stays).
• Strata Penalties: Owners corporations can impose fines or ban STRs in some apartment buildings.

Do I need to pay extra taxes on my short-term rental income?

• GST: If your annual turnover exceeds $75,000, you must register for GST.
• State Taxes:
  • QLD: 15% levy on STRs in certain areas.
  • VIC: 7.5% short-stay levy for properties in designated areas.
• ATO Reporting: All income must be declared—consider deductions for expenses like cleaning and maintenance.

How does MadeComfy help make my property compliant?

MadeComfy, an Australian-based STR management company, assists with:

• Council Approvals: Handling registrations for NSW’s STRA scheme or local permits.
• Tax Compliance: Ensuring GST and state levies are correctly collected and remitted.
• Strata Liaison: Negotiating with body corporates to secure STR approval.
• Safety Checks: Confirming your property meets state fire and safety regulations.

Need help staying compliant?

• For NSW Hosts: Use the NSW STRA Self-Assessment Tool.
• For Airbnb Hosts: Check their Australian Regulations Hub.