The South Australian Government will introduce a register for short-term rental accommodation as it looks for ways to ease pressure on the state’s long-term rental market.
Consultation on the proposed register begins today, with the Government set to engage booking platforms including Airbnb and Stayz on how the system should operate and which properties should be covered.
The Government says the register will provide better information about the size and operation of the short-term rental sector and help inform future decisions about long-term rental supply.
The move follows a parliamentary inquiry into short-stay accommodation chaired by Greens MLC Robert Simms. The inquiry examined the effects of platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz on housing affordability, neighbourhood amenity and tourism, as well as whether additional regulatory oversight was needed.
The Government has also flagged further reforms, including consideration of a Code of Conduct for short-term rental properties. The proposed code could address issues such as noise complaints affecting neighbouring residents.
Housing Minister Michael Brown said the register would form part of the Government’s broader response to pressures in the rental market.
“Every South Australian deserves access to an affordable and secure home and our government is continuing to take action to address the pressures in the rental market,” Mr Brown said.
“We need to consider the impact of short-stay accommodation on our state’s long-term rental supply, and a register will help us to get the balance right.”
The Government pointed to its existing rental reforms under National Cabinet’s A Better Deal for Renters, including a ban on rent bidding, longer notice periods for ending tenancies, limits on rent increases to once a year, increased rental assistance and new protections for vulnerable tenants.
Other measures include allowing pets in rental homes, stronger protections for tenants’ personal information and minimum housing standards.
Alongside the short-term rental register, the Government has agreed to support a Greens amendment to the Stamp Duties (Residential purposes and residential land) Amendment Bill before the Legislative Council.
The Government says the Bill does not introduce new tax policy, but updates stamp duty legislation to reflect the current planning and legal framework. The proposed amendment would prevent residential developments in flexible planning zones from receiving stamp duty exemptions solely because of their planning classification.
It would also clarify that buying a residential property for use as short-stay accommodation does not, by itself, qualify the owner for a stamp duty exemption.
Mr Simms said the Greens had secured commitments on both stamp duty and regulation of short-stay accommodation as part of negotiations with the Government.
“Regulation of the sector will bring SA into line with other jurisdictions, improve conduct and provide valuable information to inform government policy,” he said.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said the stamp duty amendments would provide greater clarity around the existing approach to residential and non-residential land.
The Government is seeking public feedback on the proposed short-term rental register as part of the consultation process.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
