Current situation
- The shortage of long-term rental accommodation means many local families are struggling to stay in the area, and some families have been forced to live in uninsulated sheds, while others face overcrowding, with many relatives sharing the same roof.
What is the issue
- Rental housing in our society is often to generate income, rather than as a home for raising a family.
- Whole-house short-stay accommodation, like AirBnBs, operate as an accommodation business, however pay the same rates as a residential property.
- The shortage of long-term rentals drives up rent at a time when families are already struggling to afford the basics.
My plan
- Council to charge whole-house short stay accommodation (like AirBnBs) the same rates as an accommodation business.
- This change DOES NOT apply to any property owner that rents out a self-contained unit, bedroom or granny flat for short stay purposes on their own property.
- Actively encourage property owners to rent out self-contained units, bedrooms, or granny flats for short-stay purposes by halving the annual Council registration fee ($125 instead of $250).
- This initiative will be revenue generating.
The benefits
- Increases the supply of long-term rentals in our area.
- Generates a small additional revenue stream for the Council each year.