The NSW government is under increasing pressure to clarify rules governing sharing websites like Airbnb, homeaway and onefinestay as councils threaten home owners with million-dollar fines.
MP Jamie Parker said, “There’s different regulation in different council areas and there needs to be a clear framework for the whole state.”
The Greens MP is serving on planning minister Rob Stokes’ parliamentary committee charged with reporting back to the NSW government on issues surrounding the renting out of homes. He said Advertisement a full government inquiry is likely.
Sydney is ranked number 10 in the world in terms of listings on Airbnb with some 10,000 homes listed but just six of the 34 Sydney councils allow short-term rentals and specific regulations that make Airbnb technically illegal vary considerably between councils.
Airbnb Australia and New Zealand’s Dylan Smith, said Airbnb welcomed news that the NSW government was looking into the situation. “Many local laws are outdated and difficult to interpret,” Mr Smith said.
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