The Western Australian  Government  is progressing initiatives to better manage short-term rental accommodation  in Western Australia through changes to the State’s planning system and introduction of a state wide registration scheme.

Background

In response to the 2019 Parliamentary inquiry Levelling the Playing Field: Managing the impact of the rapid increase of short-term rentals in Western Australia, the State Government committed to various initiatives to improve regulation of the short-term rental accommodation sector, including to:

• investigate a registration scheme  for short-term rental accommodation providers; and
• develop a draft position statement for tourism , to update definitions for short-term rental accommodation and provide greater guidance for local governments to prepare their local planning strategy and scheme.

Short-term rental accommodation registration scheme

Under the proposed registration system, providers of short-term rental accommodation within Western Australia will be required to register their property to operate and advertise, including on online booking platforms.

The aims of the short-term rental accommodation registration scheme are to:

• assist the State and local governments obtain a better understanding of the short term accommodation sector in Western Australia leading to more informed policy and regulatory responses;
• provide the community with information about what short-term rental accommodation exists in their area; and
• ensure providers are aware of, and comply with, local laws and planning controls.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries led the initial investigation into support for the registration scheme, with public consultation in 2022 confirming broad community and industry backing for the proposal.

Consumer Protection will now undertake the next stage of development of the scheme and draft the legislation for implementation. 

While there is broad support for the registration scheme, work remains to ensure it meets the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.

Consumer Protection WA will shortly commence targeted consultation to develop and refine the scheme and to determine the most appropriate legislative framework for implementation. It is anticipated that this consultation will occur in early 2023 with drafting of the legislation to follow.

For queries relating to the registration scheme please contact Consumer Protection.

Draft Position Statement: Planning for Tourism

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) is progressing a draft Position Statement for Tourism, which will update definitions for short-term rental accommodation and provide greater guidance for local governments to prepare their local planning strategy and scheme.

The draft Position Statement aims to provide clear and consistent guidance on the definition and treatment of short-term rental accommodation to:

• complement existing local planning frameworks;
• encourage a consistent approach to managing and regulating short-term rental accommodation amongst local governments; and
• provide greater clarity for short-term rental accommodation providers and the broader community.

Further information relating to the draft Position Statement or related changes to the planning system and Frequently Asked Questions relating to the reforms can be found at DPLH’s website. 

For queries relating to the draft Position Statement or changes to the planning system, please email DPLH.

The registration scheme and development exemptions are anticipated to be introduced and operational in 2024.