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ARTICLE · 29 JUNE 2016

Airbnb laws in NSW need fixing

Stacks Law Firm
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The law has failed to keep up with the rapid growth of short-term rental accommodation through websites such as Airbnb.

AustraliaReal Estate and Construction
Rita Fisher
Rita Fisher
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One Sydney council warned a homeowner renting out part of her home to short term renters through Airbnb that she could be given a million dollar fine for operating an "unauthorised" bed and breakfast. That council later decided renting out a room in her house was within the law, but other councils have deemed short-term rentals breach residential zoning laws.

Some councils have demanded owners make expensive changes to their property before they rent out a room. Other councils welcome the influx of tourist money, and only step in if renters get too noisy.

Property law expert Rita Fisher of Stacks Law Firm says the law has failed to keep up with the rapid growth of short-term rental accommodation through websites such as Airbnb.

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