City of Newcastle would like to see a 180-day limit imposed on short-term rentals like AirBnB.
The state government is proposing a limit to the number of days owners can rent their properties as short-term accommodation to 180, following concerns visitors are disrupting permanent residents' lives.
Councillor Kath Elliot says she's heard numerous complaints from local suburbs.
"The major concerns are that people are operating AirBnB's or other share accommodation where there's no host on site, and there are lots of parties, noise and irresponsible and reckless behaviour that's occurring in residential neighbourhoods when people need to have quiet amenity," she said.
However, industry groups are warning the move could put a handbrake on Newcastle tourism.
Eacham Curry, Director of Corporate Affairs for HomeAway, formerly known as Stayz, said short-term rental accommodation is a key driver of growth for the city.
"Limits on the availability of short-term rental accommodation will only serve to drive up the cost of the family holiday and send valuable tourism dollars to other parts of the state," Mr Curry said.
The group is calling for noise complaints and other disputes to be addressed through a compulsory code of conduct for the industry, accompanied by robust discipline. They would also like to see a new registration process and industry-administered body introduced to process and adjudicate questions on amenity, overcrowding or noise.
Mr Curry said they're continuing to liaise for the state government over these matters, and is urging City of Newcastle not to act too hastily.
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| Image: HomeAway. |
