Perth Voice Interactive

ADVERTISING a property for rent on services like Airbnb could soon cost Bayswater residents $200,000 if they fail to get council approval beforehand.

Next week the council will vote on a new policy, designed to deal with the ballooning interest in renting out private properties for short-term accommodation.

Cr Michelle Sutherland confirmed at a committee meeting this week it was to deal with issues caused by websites such as Airbnb and Stayz.

The new rules restrict guest numbers and allow council staff to take action against troublesome tenants.

Alanah Jenkin, who has used Airbnb for a year to advertise her properties, reckons councils have no place regulating the comings and goings of “guests” on private property.

“Why should they have a say in what ratepayers are doing on their properties when it comes to this?” she asks. “The same issues can arise from long-term residents, too. This is just the council wanting more control.”

She says she and her partner chose short-stay rather than longer term tenants because it’s cheaper and easier.

“It costs too much for maintenance—on painting and carpet—after a lease finishes,” she says. “Visitors on short stays are less likely to do damage.”

She’s had one bad experience in the past year, which was reported to police, and says landowners have a vested interest in taking care of their properties and should know how to manage them without council intervention.

But council spokeswoman Julia Kogan told the Voice residents living near a house used for short-term accommodation had complained about safety, security, noise, property mismanagement and disruptions.

Additionally, council staff were concerned with a lack of car parking and inappropriate signage.

The council defines short-term accommodation as property that is let for less than three months.

If the draft policy goes through, and the council receives a complaint about short-term accommodation, staff will “investigate” and undertake a “compliance action”.

To get approval, property owners must supply a “management plan” outlining “house rules” for tenants, such as banning anti-social behaviour, and creating a plan to deal with complaints. The initiative comes before the December 15 council meeting.

by EMMIE DOWLING