Is Airbnb legal in Christchurch?

Overview of Airbnb Regulations in Christchurch

In Christchurch, new regulations for short-term visitor accommodation have been established to address the growing popularity of platforms such as Airbnb. These changes stem from previous issues in defining the use of residential properties for visitor accommodation, which were previously classified as "non-residential" activities within residential areas leading to community concerns.

Key Changes in Regulations:

1. Resource Consent Requirements:

   • Homeowners must obtain a resource consent if they operate short-term rentals for more than 60 nights a year or if they accommodate more than eight guests. This is a shift from earlier regulations that required consent for all short-term rentals regardless of duration or guest capacity.

2. Types of Accommodation:

   • The regulations differentiate between hosted (where the owner resides on the property during the guests' stay) and unhosted accommodation (where the owner does not live on-site).
   • Hosted accommodation can accommodate up to 8 guests (or 10 in heritage buildings) without a limit on operating days, while unhosted accommodation is capped at 60 nights per year outside designated noise-contour areas.

3. Notification to Council:

   • Homeowners must notify the Christchurch City Council before commencing short-term accommodation activities. This applies to both hosted and unhosted types regardless of the zoning.

4. Considerations for Neighbors:

   • New regulations include provisions for homeowners to inform surrounding property owners about their short-term rental operations and provide contact information for property management in case of local issues.

5. Regulatory Framework:

   • The newly revised rules (referred to as Plan Change 4) encompass potential compliance challenges for homeowners but aim to enhance clarity and feasibility for renting via platforms like Airbnb, catering to both local community concerns and economic benefits.

Looking Ahead:

These local regulations may serve as a precedent for proposed national legislation concerning short-term rentals in New Zealand. The government has shown interest in establishing a uniform national framework, which emphasizes the importance of staying updated on both local and potential future regulations for homeowners engaging in short-term rentals.

In conclusion, while the new rules present additional steps for compliance, they seek to balance the interests of homeowners looking to profit from short-term rentals and the broader community aiming for a harmonious Living environment in Christchurch.