Crackdown on Airbnb Party Animals in NSW

Airbnb guests that cause a stir could see themselves banned from renting short term accommodation for up to FIVE years after strict new laws are set to come into force in NSW.

From next month, a ‘two strikes and you’re out’ policy will be introduced by NSW Fair Trading which aims to curb anti-social guest behaviour with the threat of lengthy bans.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said that the rapidly evolving short-term rental sector needs the new safeguarding measures to be put in place to protect all parties involved.

The popularity of short-term rentals has exploded in recent years and is now a $30 billion a year industry.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation – Kevin Anderson

“While the sector has gone from strength to strength, what has been missing is a clear set of rules to protect the rights of both hosts, guests and neighbours and which put mutual respect front and centre,” Mr Anderson said.

Mr Anderson went on to say that whilst only a minority of guests were giving the sector a bad name, something had to be done to prevent further incidents occurring, especially ahead of the busy festive season.

We have all heard the horror stories of hosts doing the wrong thing or the house guests from hell behaving disgracefully in holiday rentals.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation – Kevin Anderson

 
“If you are going to carry on like that in someone else’s house or neighbourhood, be warned – under these new rules you will be banned, and for a very long time,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“The standards are enforceable, with powers available to NSW Fair Trading Commissioner to take disciplinary action, including penalties and exclusion from the industry for repeat offenders.”

From December 18, all participants, including booking platforms, will have to comply with the new code of conduct.