Is Airbnb legal in Gold Coast?

Airbnb Regulations in Gold Coast, Australia

The Gold Coast has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals, particularly Airbnb, to address the impact of vacation rentals on the local housing market and community. Here’s a brief overview of the key regulations:

1. Permitting: All short-term rental operators must obtain a "Short-Term Rental Accommodation Permit" from the Queensland Department of Tourism, Innovation, and Sport. This permit is essential for renting residential properties for less than 60 consecutive days.

2. Application Process: To obtain a permit, hosts must provide various documents, including:

   • Proof of property ownership.
   • Detailed floor plans and photographs of the rental.
   • Evidence of compliance with fire safety requirements (e.g., smoke alarms).
   • Public liability insurance details.
   • Completed application forms.
   • A non-refundable application fee of $268 for a three-year permit.

3. Local Regulations: The City of Gold Coast has additional local regulations that include:

   • Maximum guest limits, noise restrictions, and parking requirements.
   • Differentiation between "hosted" (where the owner is present) and "unhosted" rentals, with hosted rentals subject to less stringent regulations.

4. Fines for Non-Compliance: Failure to obtain the necessary permits can lead to fines ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 for individuals and up to $75,000 for corporations. The local authorities have ramped up enforcement efforts, conducting routine inspections and monitoring online listings for compliance.

5. Tax Obligations: Short-term rental operators must comply with national tax laws, including a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) if their annual turnover exceeds $75,000. Accurate record-keeping of rental income and expenses for tax purposes is mandatory.

6. Existing Use Rights: Hosts who commenced operations before recent regulation changes may be protected under ‘existing lawful use rights’, allowing them to continue listing their properties without needing to comply with newer requirements.

7. Community Feedback: The local hosting community has expressed mixed opinions regarding these regulations, with concerns about the costs and complexity of compliance, particularly for new hosts.

For anyone considering entering the short-term rental market in Gold Coast, understanding and adhering to these regulations is crucial to operate legally and avoid significant penalties. It’s advisable to regularly check for updates in the guidelines and consult with professionals for tailored advice.