Is Airbnb legal in Brisbane?

In Brisbane, significant regulations govern short-term rentals like Airbnb, primarily aimed at balancing tourism demand with local housing needs. Here’s a brief overview of the key regulatory aspects:

1. Approval Process: Hosts must obtain approval from the Brisbane City Council (BCC) by submitting a development application that aligns with the Short-Term Accommodation Code outlined in the Brisbane City Plan 2014. This code ensures minimal disruption to neighboring residents.

2. Local Licensing: While there is no specific licensing requirement, property owners must secure BCC approval and demonstrate legal status for short-term letting by obtaining a business license from the Finance Department.

3. Insurance Requirements: Hosts are mandated to possess a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage for their rental properties to safeguard against potential risks.

4. Good Neighbour Policies: Hosts must comply with "Good Neighbour" policies that enforce restrictions on check-in/check-out times, quiet hours, and prohibit parties or events. Violations can incur penalties, which escalate for repeated offenses.

5. Permanent Residency Regulation: Short-term rental properties should be the owner's primary residence, with owners living there for at least 275 days per year. Additionally, the code limits rentals to two rooms at a time.

6. Expanding Regulations: Recently, a new permit system was announced, requiring property owners to have planning approvals, support from their body corporate, and a 24/7 property manager. Properties failing to meet these requirements will need to revert to the long-term rental market, aiming to alleviate housing supply pressures.

7. Tax Obligations: Hosts must comply with various tax obligations, including Goods and Services Tax (GST) for earnings above $75,000 annually, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and a daily business license tax.

8. Community Impact: The regulations reflect increasing concerns over housing availability in the context of rapid rental price surges and decreasing vacancy rates, with authorities pushing for continued dialogue on reform to support community interests.

Overall, prospective Airbnb hosts in Brisbane must navigate a complex regulatory landscape that aims to address community concerns while accommodating tourism. It's essential for them to stay informed about ongoing legislative changes and compliance requirements.