A Holiday Rental Code of Conduct has today been launched to promote effective self regulation in the management of holiday rental properties.
29 March 2012Industry operators have come together to develop standards and industry practices which satisfy the needs of local communities, property owners, tourism operators and guests.
The initiative, which has been welcomed by the NSW Government, recognises that holiday rental dwellings make a positive sustainable contribution to local tourism and communities and as such they should be managed effectively so as to minimise any adverse social or environmental impacts.The Code, effective 31 May 2012, addresses the impact of property amenities and factors including noise, guest over crowding, garbage and car parking.
The Holiday Rental Code of Conduct industry group comprises the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW); Holiday Letting Organisation Byron Bay (HLO Byron); Stayz Pty Ltd (owned and operated by Fairfax); and rentahome.com.au and TakeABreak (owned and operated by Occupancy Pty Ltd).
The industry group worked with the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure and Destination NSW to develop the Code. The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW were consulted during the development of the Code.
Justin Butterworth, Stayz Group Business Development Director comments, “The short term rental of houses and apartments to holiday makers, business and educational visitors makes an important contribution to the local as well as the broader State and national economies. This new, selfregulatory code will act as an effective and robust instrument for ensuring holiday rental properties provide a real net benefit to the community while also enabling this important part of the tourism industry to develop sustainably.”
The REINSW says the Code will strengthen the important holiday letting sector for agents and property owners.
“By encouraging and promoting responsible and effective self regulation, we are assisting the holiday letting sector to grow sustainably and continue to deliver real benefits to the community and economy,” said REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin.
“The Code provides a uniform, practical guide for those engaged in holiday rentals and a platform for a close working relationship with both the state and local levels of government” says John Gudgeon, President of the Holiday Letting Organisation in Byron Bay (HLO Byron Inc).
Local Councils, tourism organisations or other related bodies that are interested in becoming Participating Organisations are invited to contact Justin Butterworth on 1300 550 251.
