Airbnb pro 180-day cap

ACCOMMODATION disruptor Airbnb says it supports putting a limit on the number of days an investment property can be rented out in NSW, as part of its submission to a govt inquiry into the short-term letting sector.

Submissions to the probe closed yesterday, in response to an options paper which canvassed possibilities to manage the strong growth of short-term letting via platforms such as Airbnb.

“Airbnb supports a clear, statewide approach that supports our host community sharing their own primary place of residence without the need for approvals, registrations or caps,” the firm said.

Investors who wanted to rent out properties casually for more than six months a year would need to lodge a development application under the proposals.

The company also suggested a “three strikes” policy to manage complaints, alongside allowing strata bodies to pass by-laws to manage guest behaviour or share revenue with hosts.

Airbnb is keen to avoid further regulation in NSW, following crackdowns in places like London which has introduced a 90-day annual limit on Airbnb rentals.

Airbnb spokesman Brent Thomas said the existing rules for home sharing in NSW were “broken and need to be fixed”.

An earlier Airbnb study on its Sydney operations found it attracted new visitors who stayed longer than traditional tourists & spent more at local businesses.