I have long raised concerns that without proper regulation, the proliferation of short term letting could impact on housing affordability because rentals get removed from the market to be converted into holiday accommodation which draws in higher rates. My work during the last reforms got a mandatory register of all participants and some regulation around night caps, however there are loopholes that ensure a home can operate as visitor accommodation year round.

With the housing affordability crises strengthening, the government has identified the need for stronger regulation as part of the wider solution. A discussion paper has been released and you can provide comment until 14 March.

Ideas include a levy that could double as an incentive for returning a home to the rental market and as a funding stream for homelessness services. Other options include changes to planning, caps, reporting, compliance and enforcement. You can do the online survey > HERE or make a submission > HERE.