The NSW Government manages a state-wide regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation (STRA), which includes:
The state-wide policy for STRA benefits homeowners who want to take advantage of holiday rentals while providing more certainty and safety for local communities and visitors.
The laws impose obligations on all industry participants, including booking platforms, hosts, letting agents and guests.
In early 2024 we sought feedback on the planning policy and regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation and options to encourage the supply of long-term rental accommodation. We exhibited a discussion paper from 15 February to 14 March 2024 via the NSW Planning Portal.
We are now considering all submissions and investigating policy changes to help unlock housing supply and improve housing affordability in NSW.
Feedback received will help make sure we strike the right balance between the benefits of short-term rental accommodation, including to the tourism economy, and encouraging more supply of long-term rental accommodation in NSW.
The STRA planning policy framework comprises standard provisions for short-term rental accommodation including:
The planning framework came into effect on 1 November 2021 and complements the mandatory Code of Conduct and changes to strata legislation made by the Department of Customer Service.
More information about the existing STRA planning policy framework is provided in the frequently asked questions (PDF, 178 KB).
Hosted short-term rental accommodation means short-term rental accommodation provided where the host resides on the premises during the provision of the accommodation.
(Note: When an owner lives on a property but not necessarily in the home being rented, for example a granny flat, this is not considered to be hosted STRA).
Non-hosted short-term rental accommodation means short-term rental accommodation provided where the host does not reside on the premises during the provision of the accommodation.
(Note: Individual units in a premises where there is an onsite manager or concierge are generally considered as non-hosted).
All local councils in NSW have access to the STRA Register and have a role in enforcing the planning framework. Your local council can be contacted if you have an inquiry or compliance concern relating to the:
Ongoing neighbourhood noise complaints can also be referred to your local council or the police.
All STRA properties must register on the STRA Register. A registration fee of $65 applies for all new registrations. STRA property registrations must also be renewed annually from the date of the original registration to remain active on the STRA Register. A renewal fee of $25 applies.
Approved tourist and visitor accommodation development, such as serviced apartments, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, camping grounds or caravan parks, are not required to register for STRA.
Register below to the government register on the NSW Planning Portal. You will need to create a NSW Planning Portal account or log-in with your Service NSW account.
Expand all Collapse all How do I register?All hosts must first ensure the dwelling they propose to use for STRA complies with the fire and safety requirements and agree to follow the Code of Conduct.
The following links go to information in English.
An annual STRA Registration period applies from the date a premises is registered on the STRA Register.
More information about how to register is on the NSW Planning Portal.
How do I renew my registration?A STRA Registration can be renewed on the NSW Planning Portal from 45 days before the renewal expiry date. Hosts will receive email reminders to renew their registration at 45 days, 30 days and 7 days prior to the renewal expiry date.
If a premises is not renewed by the expiry date, the registration is held for a further 3 months before it is automatically de-registered. During the three-month period, the registration is blocked from accepting bookings from online booking platforms. Once the property is de-registered it cannot be renewed and a new property registration must be completed.
Further information on renewing a STRA premises registration is available on the NSW Planning Portal.
How do I transfer STRA registration on a property?To transfer a STRA registration, the previous owner needs to deregister the current registration, allowing the new owner to create a new property ID.
Note: If there are future bookings linked to the property ID, these will need to be cancelled before the previous owner deregisters the property.
For more information on either the deregistration or registration of a STRA property, please view the Quick Reference Guides on the NSW Planning Portal.
Who has access to the STRA Register?The STRA Register contains personal information. Host or premises details are not available to the general public.
The information contained within the register may be provided to the Department of Customer Service and local government authorities who may use the information for statutory purposes, including to take action to address fire safety concerns of persons occupying a dwelling as short-term rental accommodation or to enforce the mandatory Code of Conduct.
What kinds of dwellings count as short-term rental accommodation?All lawfully constructed dwellings that are permitted to be used as residential accommodation in all land-use zones can be used for short-term rental accommodation. Typical residential accommodation dwelling types include:
If you are unsure of your dwelling type, contact your local council for assistance.
What kinds of dwellings cannot be used for STRA under the policy?The following dwellings are not permitted for short-term rental accommodation under the rules:
Conditions of a development consent or a strata-by law may also restrict STRA in some residential premises. Hosts are encouraged to contact their local council for development consent information or their Owners Corporations and NSW Fair Trading for further information on accessing strata-by laws.
Is tourist accommodation included?STRA is not a tourist and visitor accommodation land use, and a property used for STRA remains a residential premises.
Approved tourist and visitor accommodation development, such as serviced apartments, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, camping grounds or caravan parks, are not required to register for STRA.
These types of developments can continue to be listed on online accommodation platforms. If you are unsure of the status of the accommodation, contact your local council for assistance.
Is agritourism the same as short-term rental accommodation?No, agritourism is a type of agricultural land use. Agritourism allows small-scale, low-impact activities in rural areas, such as farm experiences or roadside stalls.
It can also include a type of short-stay accommodation, defined as farm stay accommodation, which is a tourist and visitor accommodation land use. These activities support the main use of the site as a farm and do not fall within the definition of short-term rental accommodation.
