Short-stay proposal could have repercussions

Proposed short-stay accommodation legislation in the Mornington Peninsula may have widespread repercussions for other coastal areas, especially those popular with holidaymakers.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire, which includes popular coastal towns Portsea, Sorrento and Flinders, has proposed the introduction of a local law to govern holiday rentals in the area.

Designed to address anti-social behaviour in the local community, the proposed legislation would see the creation of a registration system for property owners renting their property on short-stay accommodation sites.

In addition to being required to register their holiday rental, property owners would also need to appoint a nominated agent to respond within two hours of a complaint being made.

The local law would also ban holiday rentals being used as “party houses”, with property owners responsible for controlling any visitors to the occupants at the dwelling.

Occupants would not be permitted visitors between 10pm and 8am, while outdoor areas (such as pools and balconies) would also be banned during these hours.

While the REIV supports a registration system for short-stay accommodation providers, the Institute has a number of concerns with the proposals.

If implemented, this law would impose expensive and unnecessary red tape on the owners of homes who rent them out for short-term accommodation, while also affecting holidaymakers from using the property in a normal and reasonable manner.

It’s also unreasonable to expect a property owner to be responsible for the personal behaviour of short-term renters or anyone else on the property.

Dealing with rowdy occupants who cause disturbances is the role of the police, not the owner or their agent.

Regardless of whether the property is rented on a long or short-term basis, neighbours should be advised to contact the police in the first instance.

More information on proposed changes to holiday rentals in the Mornington Peninsula can be found on the shire’s website.