South Australia to implement statewide short-stay rental register

The South Australian Government has announced plans to introduce a statewide register for short-stay accommodation to better understand the sector's impact on the long-term rental market. Consultation is currently underway to determine the operational details of the register, including which properties must be included and how booking platforms like Airbnb and Stayz will be involved.

The initiative follows a State Parliament inquiry into the effects of short-stay rentals on housing affordability, tourism, and neighborhood amenity. The inquiry noted that while the sector's impact on rental pressures is difficult to quantify without reliable data, a central register would provide the necessary information to inform future housing and tourism policies.

In addition to the register, the government is considering a Code of Conduct to address community issues such as noise and unauthorized parties. Housing Minister Michael Brown stated that the move is part of broader efforts to ensure access to affordable and secure housing for all South Australians.