Airbnb “pop-up daycare” discovered on the Gold Coast

In her column for Resort News, Award winning Gold Coast management rights operator Marion Simon, from Boulevard North Holiday Apartments, shares a startling experience that highlights the unpredictable reality of being an onsite manager.

She begins:…

My article for this month was planned. It was intended to explore the difference between trust and business accounting. Until…

That “until” came when Boulevard North’s very alert, proactive reservations star, Barbara, noted an inordinate number of young children—we’re talking under the age of 10—running around the building, up and down the stairs, and through the common areas. Concerned, she investigated and uncovered what appears to be a new and troubling challenge for our industry.

The apartment housing these children (and read on for the remarkable facts) is not part of our letting pool. It’s managed by an external agent specialising in Airbnb properties. Since being operated externally, this apartment has consistently presented challenges. Despite generating no income for our team, it has caused more issues than all our other 33 apartments combined.

It was revealed that a creatively minded individual had discovered a novel use for short-term rental apartments. An apartment is booked through an online agent for a weekend or school holiday period—and then used as a “pop-up” daycare or babysitting centre. Yes, you read that correctly!

Seventeen people in one apartment!

And we have the videos to prove it. In total, there were 14 children, including three in prams, with the eldest appearing to be about eight years old, all under the supervision of what seemed to be three carers.

The noise coming from the apartment, combined with 14 children roaming through the common areas, was neither pleasant nor acceptable. The 60-square-metre, one-bedroom apartment was accommodating 17 people between 7.30 am and 4.30 pm.

A brief conversation with one of the carers confirmed our suspicion: a “pop-up” daycare or babysitting operation had been set up for the weekend.

Serious safety concerns

Our greatest concern, of course, was for the children!

First, a one-bedroom apartment offers very limited space and includes a balcony—hardly suitable for young children in large numbers. Given the strict standards required for registered daycare centres, it was clear that our apartments would fall well short of compliance.

Second, having just three carers responsible for such a large and young group appeared wholly inadequate.

Seeking answers

Faced with such an unusual scenario, I set about finding out exactly where we stood legally, and who we should contact.

To ensure accurate information was shared with the industry, I contacted the Police Helpline on Monday morning. They were extremely concerned and advised that if this occurs again, we should immediately call 13 14 44, and a team will be dispatched to investigate.

I also contacted the Child Care Helpline, but they advised that unless a child is being hurt or abused, they cannot assist. They weren’t sure who I should contact, so the investigation continued.

This led to a phone discussion with the City of Gold Coast Planning Department. Their initial response (without formal investigation) was uncertainty about whether this fell within the legal use of the apartment. They did, however, mention that 17 people in one unit would likely be considered “overcrowding”.

Once again, insurance implications were raised.

Read more from Marion Simon on AccomNews HERE

What now?

If this trend emerges in our industry — and hopefully it does not — the best course of action is to call your local police station and request they check in on the operation. That will at least cover the onsite team, as we will have taken the best possible action available to us.

Further, be sure to follow up with the owner of the externally managed apartment. Advise them of the incident and strongly suggest they ensure they have adequate insurance to cover any incidents or damage. Also inform your body corporate committee.

From an onsite perspective, we’ve done everything we can to manage a situation that we had no involvement in. Yet, as with most privately let Airbnb-style apartments, we are still expected to manage the fallout.

It is so important for our industry to share these kinds of events and challenges. We are all enriched by prior knowledge. I’m sure every management rights operator has faced at least one similar situation.

Please share them… I am happy to ensure your anonymity.

Queensland guidelines: Immediate steps if you spot an unlicensed “pop-up daycare” in a short-term rental:

1. If there’s immediate danger or harm to children, call 000.

2. For safety concerns or overcrowding (if not imminent danger), call 131 444 Policelink, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) non-urgent contact line for reporting.

3. If you’re worried about the wellbeing of a child, call: a Regional Intake Service (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135 if outside business hours..

4. Notify City of Gold Coast Planning/Compliance about potential unlawful use or overcrowding, especially regarding short-term rental rules.

👉 AccomNews: Tip for onsite managers:

If you encounter an unlicensed “pop-up daycare” or similar setup:

• Record what you see.

• Call the appropriate authority (see above).

• Notify the apartment owner.

• Advise your body corporate committee.

🎬 Stranger than fiction? Welcome to management rights!

✨ Got a story that’s just as wild?

Come tell me at NoVacancy 2025 (ICC Sydney, 17–18 Sept) during my Meet the Editor sessions. Because the best tales of this industry deserve to be shared.

📧 Book a spot via the NoVacancy app.

Read more about the management rights industry on AccomNews HERE

Interested in a management rights business? Find management rights for sale on AccomProperties HERE

Read the August edition of Resort news HERE