Introduction

‍

Living in Brisbane is the most enriched and fortified experience where tourists ideally love to stay for their short-term sojourns and vacations while on a world tour. On the other hand, the businessmen also visit this beautiful city in Australia for their projects, requiring their stays for a relatively longer period i.e., two or three weeks or months.

‍

In this case, if you have a vacant residency, apartment or a room in Brisbane, it offers a great opportunity for you to make more money by hosting the visitors, businessmen and friends.

‍

What is Short-term Letting?

‍

Also known as vacation rentals, holiday rentals and home sharing, short-term letting or renting (STR) has become a great source of hosting guests around the world for generating income. Contrary to the hotels where people experience comfortable sojourns for one or two days, Short-term renting is for people who wish to stay at a place for less than thirty days. The staying period can extend up to thirty days or more in long-term letting.

‍

With the rise of online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com and VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owners), the STRs have recently become more popular than ever. The landlords and homeowners are capable of listing, advertising and managing their properties for temporary accommodations more effortlessly than ever. 

‍

Another famous vacation rental platform is StayZ that is exclusively available in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu and Cook Islands. However, you need to check for the latest updates about the short sojourns in Brisbane before you let out your property in Brisbane via StayZ.

‍

This convenient way of letting your property is also influenced by the surrounding in which your property is located. Location and amenities play a central role in determining the frequency of visitors residing at your property. So, you need to be careful before you rent out your property that it is not located far away from the tourist destinations or commercial hubs.

‍

Another equally important factor is the local legal status and the compliance of local rental laws of property to avoid any inconvenience during the renting process.

‍

So, let’s discuss the local laws about renting out your property in Brisbane.

‍

Short-Term Letting Regulations in Brisbane

‍

The good news is short-term renting in Brisbane is legal and anyone with a property can list them on rental websites and earn money online. Nevertheless, Brisbane has some laws and regulations you need to check before you start hosting your guests to circumvent any probability of falling into legal complications.

‍

Brisbane City Council

‍

Local Council is the legal and authorised body in Brisbane for approving the renting out of properties in the boundaries of Brisbane. Being the largest local government in Australia, Brisbane City Council is responsible for the administration and management of Brisbane. From city development to waste and recycling services, this legal body provides a number of services in this city of Australia.

‍

Similarly, the short-term letting regulations have been defined and managed by Brisbane City Council in Australia. So, it’s essential that you visit their website or contact them directly to get information about short-term letting regulations in Brisbane. 

‍

Don’t worry… We have listed down some of the most crucial letting regulations in your city of Brisbane which will help you considerably in your letting journey, making it smoother and convenient eventually. So, let’s start!

‍

The purpose of this guide is to provide an overview of short-let regulations in various countries and cities where Houst operates. Houst is a professional management company that specialises in short-term rentals, and we understand the importance of complying with local regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests and the communities where we operate.

‍

In this guide, we will provide a detailed overview of local regulations that are essential for enjoying a safe letting experience. In case of violations, the permissions are likely to get suspended and revoked or may be subject to penalties and fines by the City Council.

‍

Curious to see how much you could earn on Airbnb? Schedule a free, no-strings-attached consultation with our Airbnb Management Brisbane team to uncover your property’s revenue potential.

‍

Permanent Residence

‍

Permanent residence is the primary legal requirement for letting your property in Brisbane, Australia. If you’re not the homeowner, you cannot rent out this property. So, it’s essential that you have the proof of ownership with you when you wish to get approval from the Brisbane City Council.

‍

The landlord must be present at the residence for 275 out of 365 days in a particular year. If the stay of the host at his residency is less than these days, he/she cannot qualify for the short-term letting permit.

‍

Presence of Host

‍

The second important requirement set by the City Council is the presence of the host when the guests are being hosted. If the host is not available at the time of “Hosting”, the legal complications will arise and the landlord is more likely not to get approval from this local government body.

‍

Single-Family Homes

‍

Multi-family homes with more than one family are not permitted for letting in Brisbane. Only Single-family homes are allowed to be listed for hosting people at the residence of the landlord. If not, the property will not qualify for the short-term letting in Brisbane.

‍

In contrast, you cannot rent out your entire home, apartment or accessory dwelling units. The presence of the Host is mandatory at the short-term letting property. “Unhosted” residences fail to comply with the short-term letting regulations in Brisbane.

‍

Maximum Number of Rooms

‍

The City Council allows only two rooms at a time for short-term letting at the residence of the Host.  These two rooms for renting out must be offered with a dedicated parking space for each room. The entire home or occupancy cannot be rented out for short stays.

‍

Keep in mind that these letting regulations are applicable only to the short-term letting in Brisbane. For long-term renters, the regulations are not as strict as they are for the short-term rentals and do not require approval from the City Council.

‍

Additionally, only two persons per room are allowed as prescribed in the regulations. Similarly, the two rooms must be rented out to the same party or family. Letting out these two rooms to two different guests is prohibited in the Brisbane Vacation regulations for short-term letting.

‍

Short-Term Rental Insurance

‍

The short-term renters need to obtain the insurance of the short-term rentals. The coverage of the renting space begins from $500,000. The insurance of the hosting space is essential for the documents required for obtaining approval.

‍

Business License

‍

After obtaining approval from Brisbane City Council, the landlord or host needs to obtain a business license from the Finance Department. This license shows the legal status of your residence for the short-term letting.

‍

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

‍

Transient Occupancy Tax is paid quarterly by the renters. The current rate of TOT in Australia is 14% which might change in future by the City Council. Moreover, the host is legally required to pay an additional tax of $2.50 as a daily business license tax for the rooms being rented out.

‍

“Good Neighbour” Policies

‍

Good neighbours Policies are applicable after the STR approval from the Brisbane City Council. It requires the hosts to abide by the timely check in and check out times alongside the quiet hours policies in Brisbane. Besides, no parties or events are allowed by the renters at the short-term letting occupancy in the city of stars to avoid any inconvenience for the neighbours.

‍

Penalties for Violating Short-Term Letting Regulations

‍

If the holders of business licenses for short-term renters (STRs) fail to comply with any of the above regulations, they are subject to certain penalties and fines. In extreme cases, the City Council is authorised to revoke their licenses. So, it’s pertinent the renters follow the regulations as strictly as possible to avoid any legal penalties.

‍

The City Council has listed down the following penalties for violating the short-term rental regulations:

‍

First Offence

‍

The first offence of violating the regulations is $1500. If you have violated any of the above regulations deliberately or unintentionally and the City has taken notice of it, you need to pay the First Offence penalty and continue the vacation rentals.

‍

If you fail to pay this penalty, there are higher chances of ceasing your business activity as a short-term renter.

‍

Second Offence

‍

The penalty doubles if you violate the regulations for the second time in a year. This 12-month period is most important and the renters have to be more cautious about the regulation. The second offence penalty is $3000 for the violation of short-term letting regulations.

‍

Third Offence

‍

For the third or any subsequent offence in a year causes the short-term renters or hosts to pay a penalty fee of up to $5000. 

‍

Is short-term Subletting Legal in Brisbane?

‍

Subletting in Brisbane might be risky due to the strict regulations by the City Council. So, the landlords cannot sublet the property to tenants. So, it’s essential to understand the process and legal requirements for a hybrid letting in Brisbane.

‍

The hybrid letting, a combination of short-term and long-term letting, is a great source of earning income by getting greater benefits from your occupancy. Before you let your property in hybrid letting, you need to understand the regulations.

‍

As discussed above, the long-term letting doesn’t require any approval from the City Council. Instead, you need to find a tenant with the help of the Home Sharing Program of HIP Housing. 

‍

For subletting, the tenant needs to get consent from the landlord. In case of violation, he will be legally charged with penalties. The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 allows for the subletting with the written consent of the landlord in Queensland. 

‍

Need Help in Short-Term Letting?

‍

Short-term letting is a headache, sometimes, when you have other important things on your plate. But, you also want to make additional income. How can you do that?

‍

Don’t worry!!!

‍

Houst is here to help you list and manage your property in Brisbane. Houst is a property management platform where you can obtain hassle-free assistance in your property rentals, for short-term and long-term, at a nominal fee.

‍

Why Should You Chose Houst?

‍

Houst is a great place for the hosts who rent out their properties and wish to multiply their income without wasting their resources. In this guide, we will describe why the Houst is best for you. So, let’s dive in!

‍

1. Save Time & Energy

‍

Houst helps you in abiding by the local rules and regulations to avoid any difficulty and penalties. So, you can save your time and money. With the help of efficient management system, Houst ensures the optimum use of your monetary and property resources.

‍

2. Abide by Short-term Rental (STR) Regulations

‍

Abiding by all the STR regulations is a difficult task and there are chances you might fail to obtain permission for letting out your property from the local authorised organisation. Houst provides the services of highly professional legal assistants who assist in the local laws of all cities where Houst operates and makes the listing and management compliant with the laws and regulations.

‍

3. Hassle-Free Property Management

‍

Houst ensures your property is being managed and maintained by the qualified staff and the guests are hosted by professionals who take your earning capacity to the next level. The property is properly cleaned, managed and operated which ensures that your renting business is being taken care of at best and it is in safe hands.

‍

4. Property Management Dashboard

‍

Property management dashboard allows the landlords to get a glimpse of all the activities at their place. It ensures flexibility and more control on your letting business with your less engagement in day-to-day activities. The cleansing and maintenance activities can be viewed right from this property management dashboard without visiting the place. Besides, you can track your revenues and the guests’ reviews from this interactive dashboard.

‍

5. Boost Your Revenues

‍

Houst multiplies and boost your revenues with the help of their professional property management services. The reliable services provide the property management and hosting services to the guests by ensuring the timely check in and check out and clean space.

‍

6. Listing on Multiple Platforms

‍

Listing on different platforms is possible with Houst as our team understands which platform is best for different kinds of properties in different cities in which we operate.

‍

7. Best Hosting Management Services

‍

Guest Management is the most important factor in determining the growth of your letting business. Houst pays special attention to the hosting procedures and ensures each guest receives the best services at the landlord’s property. The check-in and check-out times are followed consistently for the comfort of the guests and to abide by the local regulations.

‍

8. Top-Notch Property Management Services

‍

The professional and dedicated housekeepers at the Houst ensure the property is clean, tidy and well-maintained, meeting all the criteria of the HQ. Taking the photographs before and after each stay and sharing them with HQ ensure the guaranteed property management services by the Houst. On the other hand, the landlord can also view the performance and property management on the property management dashboard. It ensures transparency and accountability for the Houst’s services.

‍

The Bottom Line

‍

Finally, we conclude by saying that short-term letting in Brisbane is a great option. However, the letting regulations for short-term stays familiarising with them make a difference. The regulations are a little bit strict but not impossible to follow. All you need to do is to be aware of them and follow them. Else, you will face legal penalties or suspension of your letting residency.

‍

Nonetheless, if you don’t have time to manage your property but seek to rent out, you can trust the reliable services of Houst that offers the best property management services in Brisbane. These services consist of the listing management, guest management and property management services at affordable rates. 

‍