Council To Fine Airbnb Hosts Renting Properties Short-Term

A council is looking to introduce fines for residents who fail to disclose that their property is being rented out on short-term holidays as an Airbnb.

Byron Bay Council in NSW is looking to introduce the new measures amid revelations that as much as 17.6 per cent of total housing in the area is listed as a rental on the site.

The fines would see a $3,000 penalty for any individual who fails to register their property as a holiday rental with the council.

This fee jumps to $6,000 for any business doing the same thing.

Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson said that the decision has come as the current system is a "cost to the community".

“There are hundreds of approved tourism accommodation providers in the Byron Shire who do the right thing with respect to approvals, safety and compliance,” Mayor Richardson said, reports the Northern Star.

“Something needs to be done to protect our community’s right to residential areas that are filled with neighbours not tourists.”

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