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What is the NSW Short-Term Rental Accommodation Code of Conduct?

Updated 2026-05-28

The NSW Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Code of Conduct is a mandatory set of rules governing the rights and obligations of all participants in the short-term rental market in New South Wales, Australia. It outlines standards for hosts, guests, letting agents, and online booking platforms to manage neighborhood impacts, ensure property safety, and provide a clear framework for resolving disputes.

The code works in conjunction with a mandatory property register and specific planning laws to form a comprehensive regulatory system for the industry.

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How it works

The Code of Conduct functions by establishing minimum standards of behavior and clear consequences for breaches. Hosts are obligated to ensure their property is safe, hold valid insurance, and manage noise and disruption.

Guests must respect the property and neighbors, and not create excessive noise or damage. Booking platforms and agents must inform users of the code and take action against non-compliant parties.

Breaches can lead to warnings, fines, and placement on a public Exclusion Register, which bans the individual or property from the STRA market for five years. NSW Fair Trading oversees enforcement, managing complaints and the associated registers.

Why it matters

This code is significant because it provides a legal structure for the short-term rental sector in NSW, balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the well-being of local communities. It offers protection and clarity for guests, hosts, and neighbors by defining expected behaviors and creating an enforceable system for addressing misconduct.

For property managers and owners, compliance is crucial for lawful operation, maintaining a positive reputation, and avoiding severe penalties such as fines and being banned from the market. See the official website for current details.

Examples

  • A guest causes significant property damage during a stay in Sydney. After the host reports the incident, the guest receives a strike. If the same guest receives another strike within two years, they are added to the Exclusion Register, banning them from booking any short-term rental in NSW for five years.
  • A host in Byron Bay receives a noise complaint about their rental property. Under the code, they are required to take reasonable steps to stop the disturbance, or they may receive a 'strike' from NSW Fair Trading.
  • An online booking platform is notified that one of its listed hosts has been placed on the Exclusion Register. The platform must remove all of that host's listings to comply with the code and avoid substantial financial penalties.
  • A property manager in Newcastle includes specific clauses in their rental agreement that reference the NSW Code of Conduct, ensuring guests are formally aware of their obligations regarding noise, parking, and waste disposal before they check in.

Frequently asked questions

Does the NSW Code of Conduct apply to all short-term rentals?+
Yes, the code is mandatory and applies to all short-term rental accommodation arrangements in New South Wales, regardless of how they are booked. It covers listings on OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo as well as properties booked through a host's direct booking website. Hosts using vacation rental software like Lodgify to manage their bookings must ensure all their stays comply with these regulations.
What is the Exclusion Register?+
The Exclusion Register is a public database maintained by NSW Fair Trading that lists hosts and guests who have committed serious breaches of the Code of Conduct. An individual who receives two 'strikes' within a two-year period is placed on the register, which bans them from participating in the NSW short-term rental industry for five years.
Who enforces the Code of Conduct?+
NSW Fair Trading is the government body responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct. It handles the complaint process, issues warnings and penalties for breaches, and manages both the mandatory STRA Property Register and the Exclusion Register.
What are a host's main responsibilities under the code?+
A host's primary responsibilities include registering their property on the NSW Government's STRA register, ensuring the property meets fire safety standards, holding valid public liability insurance, providing guests with a copy of the code and any applicable by-laws, and being contactable to manage guest issues or neighborhood complaints.
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