ROGUE OPERATORS

ine issue of homelessness and finding rental accommodation is very welcome,” he said.

“The issue remains in how we identify the homes that are currently not registered with councils. We know there are hundreds of them.”

In April, Ald Sexton called for residents to dob in suspected unlicensed Airbnb properties in their area to try to curb the spike in unregulated short-term accommodation in the city.

That proposal was labelled “un-Australian” by Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie.

Ald Sexton said his idea still had merit.

“Unless the community or another organisation enforces it, that laws will be changed but nothing will happen and there will be no change,” he said.

Mr Jaensch said compliance was critical and he expected those in the short-stay sector to adhere to the regulations.

Battery Point Community Association president Charles Morgan said the proposed legislation reflected the association’s submission to the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

The association was concerned about properties being converted from rentals to selfcontained visitor accommodation, he said.

“The concern was that this would affect the character and amenity of the suburb.”