What the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Act 2024 Means for Airbnb Hosts and Landlords

The STRA Act 2024 is shaking things up for Airbnb hosts and landlords in Western Australia. Whether you’re running a cozy beachfront escape or a chic city apartment, this law is all about creating a fairer rental market while addressing housing shortages. But what does it really mean for you? Let’s break it down with simple examples and practical tips.

You Must Register Your Property

By January 2025, all short-term rental properties must be registered under the new system.

• Example: Imagine you own a holiday apartment in Perth. To legally list it on Airbnb, you’ll need to apply for registration, provide details about the property, and pay a small fee.

Why It Matters: If you don’t register, you could face fines of up to $20,000!

Planning Approvals Depend on Your Setup

The government is separating properties into two categories:

• Hosted: You live on-site and rent part of your home.
• Un-Hosted: You rent out the entire property and don’t live there.
• Example 1: If you rent out a spare room in your home, you’re a hosted property and won’t need planning approval—just register your property.
• Example 2: If you list your holiday house while living elsewhere, you’ll need planning consent, especially in areas like Perth.

Tip: Check with your local council for specific requirements. Each area might have slightly different rules!

No Registration = No Advertising

It’s illegal to advertise unregistered properties or use fake registration numbers in your listings. Airbnb and similar platforms will also be cracking down, removing listings that don’t comply.

• Example: Say you own a short-term rental in Fremantle but haven’t registered it. If you list it on Airbnb, both you and the platform could face hefty fines.

Why It Matters: Proper registration protects your listing and keeps it visible to potential guests.

$10,000 Incentive for Long-Term Leasing

If you’re willing to transition your short-term rental into a long-term lease, the government offers a $10,000 incentive for properties rented at affordable rates for at least 12 months.

• Example: You own an un-hosted property in the suburbs and decide to lease it long-term instead of dealing with planning approvals. The $10,000 incentive makes this option more appealing, offering stable income and fewer headaches.

Is It Right for You? Consider if consistent, year-round income from a long-term lease aligns with your financial goals.

How This Impacts Hosts

Opportunities:

• Better Guest Trust:
  Registered properties show guests you’re compliant and professional.
  
• Financial Perks:
  The long-term lease incentive can provide stability, especially in quieter seasons.
  
• Fairer Market:
  Clear rules mean fewer unregistered competitors taking shortcuts.

Challenges:

• More Paperwork:
  Registration and planning approvals add some extra steps.
  
• Costs:
  There’s a small fee for registering, and potential fines for non-compliance.
  
• Flexibility Limits:
  Switching to long-term leasing means giving up short-term flexibility.

What You Should Do Now

1. Get Registered Early:
   Don’t wait until the last minute. Start gathering your property details and completing the process now.
   
2. Check Local Planning Rules:
   If you’re un-hosted, contact your council to see if you need planning approval.
   
3. Review Your Options:
   Consider whether the $10,000 incentive makes sense for your property.

• Example:
  If you have a highly seasonal Airbnb in Margaret River, the incentive could provide steady income during off-peak times.

Must-Know About the STRA Act 2024

Here’s a quick guide to the most important FAQs for Airbnb hosts and landlords in Western Australia under the STRA Act 2024:

1. Why is registration mandatory?

• Purpose: The STRA Register helps monitor and manage the short-term rental sector effectively, ensuring compliance and fairness.
  
• Deadline: You must register your property by January 1, 2025, or face fines of up to $20,000.

2. Do all STRA properties need to register?

• Yes, all properties rented for short-term stays (less than 3 months) must register, whether hosted or un-hosted.

3. What’s the difference between hosted and un-hosted STRA?

• Hosted: The host lives on-site during the guest’s stay (e.g., renting out a spare room).
• Un-Hosted: Guests have exclusive use of the property without the host present (e.g., a holiday house).

4. Do un-hosted properties need planning approval?

• Yes, especially in urban areas like Perth. If un-hosted properties are rented for more than 90 nights a year, planning approval is required.

5. What are the consequences of not registering?

• Unregistered properties cannot be advertised or accept bookings after January 1, 2025, and may incur penalties.

6. Is there a cap on how many nights I can rent my property?

• Perth Metro Area: Un-hosted properties rented over 90 nights annually require planning consent.
• Regional Areas: Check with local councils for specific rules.

7. Can a property manager register my property?

• Yes, but the property owner or tenant must initiate the registration and assign the manager to complete it.

8. How long is my registration valid?

• Registrations last for 12 months and must be renewed annually.

9. What is the $10,000 incentive scheme?

• Property owners can receive $10,000 if they transition their un-hosted STRA to a long-term lease of at least 12 months at affordable rates.

10. Can I advertise my property if I haven’t registered?

• No, it’s illegal to advertise unregistered properties or use false registration numbers on platforms like Airbnb.

11. Do Bed and Breakfasts need to register?

• Yes, B&Bs fall under STRA regulations. Hosted B&Bs still need to register, but planning approvals may not apply.

For more detailed insights, explore the official links:

1. STRA Registration Information
2. STRA Planning Reforms
3. STRA Incentive Scheme

How KozyGuru Can Help

Navigating these changes can be tricky, but KozyGuru has your back. We help Airbnb hosts with everything to maximize income potential.

Here’s How We Can Help:

• Manage planning approvals for un-hosted properties.
• Help you decide whether to stick with short-term rentals or switch to long-term leasing.

We’re here to make hosting easy and stress-free. Let’s get your property compliant and ready for success!

📞 Contact us today to get started: KozyGuru Contact Us