Is Airbnb legal in Queenstown?

Queenstown has seen significant developments in its regulations regarding Airbnb and short-term visitor accommodation (STVA) due to recent decisions from the Environment Court. As of early 2023, property owners in low, medium, and high-density zones can now list their homes on platforms like Airbnb for up to 90 days annually without needing a resource consent, as long as they register with the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

Previously, individuals required a resource consent to engage in short-term rentals, aiming to alleviate the growing accommodation crisis affecting long-term rentals in the area. The court's ruling, however, has made it easier for homeowners to convert their residences into short-term rental properties, which some local officials lament as a setback in their efforts to manage housing availability.

Key points regarding regulations include: - Registration Requirement: Homeowners must register their properties intended for short-term rentals with the QLDC. - Limitations on Duration: The 90-day cap on short-term rentals is in place unless extended through resource consent application. - Homestays Overview: Those operating homestays where the homeowner resides on the property can do so without restricted daily limits but must still register. - Potential Financial Implications: Properties operating as short-term rentals may face increases in council rates due to changes in property classification (e.g., from mixed-use to accommodation rates when short-term rentals operate more than 180 days).

Local authorities express a commitment to ongoing discussions and strategies aimed at addressing housing needs, recognizing the balance necessary between providing tourist accommodation and maintaining available rental properties for residents.