Perth short term rentals: Airbnb owners told to register by January 1 or be in for a ‘rude awakening’

The WA Government is warning short-term rental owners that time is running out to apply for their planning approval to continue operating in the Perth Metropolitan area. Planning Minister John Carey warned on Saturday that owners of STRA properties in Perth who fail to lodge a development application with their local councils by January 1 next year will be in for a rude awakening. “The Cook Labor Government has given plenty of notice and today we are issuing a final warning — owners of Airbnbs who fail to lodge a development application will be in for one hell of a New Year’s hangover,” Mr Carey said. In order to operate a short-term rental property in Perth, owners must now obtain development approval from their respective local council. “We have mandated all metropolitan local governments to update their planning schemes to require development applications for unhosted STRA properties that operate more than 90 nights per year,” Mr Carey said. “To support councils, Consumer Protection will be investigating non-compliant STRA properties. “They will be on the lookout for operators who falsely claim to have obtained development approval or who falsely claim their STRA properties are hosted. “The rules are clear. If you are required to lodge a development application, you must do so by January 1 — no excuses.” Fines of up to $20,000 for an individual and $100,000 for a corporation may be issued for entering into or seeking to enter into an arrangement for an STRA (booking) of a premises that is not registered. Commerce Minister Tony Buti said the Government’s reforms had already delivered greater transparency when it came to STRA. “The registration of short-term rental accommodation brings much-needed certainty for residents who can now easily see the presence and density of such properties in their neighbourhood, fostering transparency and accountability,” Dr Buti said.