Greens propose short-stay rental cap

THE Victorian Greens have called for a 90-day limit for residential properties being rented out as short-stay accommodation as debate heats up on the issue ahead of an anticipated state government review.

The party has also proposed short-stay operators should be part of a mandatory public register, and for rules allowing owners’ corporations to regulate short-stays that are not their host’s principal residence.

The proposal is intended to incentivise Victorian homeowners to return secondary homes to the long-term rental market.

Popular holiday destinations in regional Victoria, such as the Surf Coast, are among the worst affected areas in the present trend of renting homes as short-stay sites through platforms such as Airbnb.

The strain has dried up rental supply and driven up prices for essential workers and families that are permanent residents of towns such as Lorne.

Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri said new rules were necessary to address the present imbalances.

“Short-stay accommodation is almost entirely unregulated in Victoria, and it’s making the rental crisis worse.

“Investment properties are being turned into mini hotels at the cost of a family or worker having access to secure rental properties.

“We need to introduce strong short-stay regulations to ensure affordable housing is available to families and workers experiencing housing stress.

“Cities around the world like New York, London, and Berlin regulate their short-stay market, it’s time for us to do the same.”

The Greens’ call comes after the Surf Coast Shire last week said it was advocating the state government to introduce policies that would encourage owners of short-term rentals to return their properties to the long-term rental market.

A review from Better Regulation Victoria into rules surrounding short-stay rentals has been delayed since early in the pandemic.

The Department of Treasury did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.