Reminder for Byron Bay residents to register your short-term rental

Holiday home providers in Byron Bay have been reminded to register if they want to rent their properties as vaccination rates rise and borders reopen.

The Department of Planning Industry and Environment’s Executive Director of Planning Policy, Luke Walton, said the short-term rental accommodation register is now open.

“Byron Shire has been exempt from the register which started for the rest of NSW on 1 November, but it will be included after 31 January 2022,” Mr Walton said.

“Tourism is the biggest employer in the region and will play a major role in helping the local economy recover from the pandemic and keep people in jobs.

“We want to make sure people can enjoy their holiday safely and limit impacts on neighbours, which is why we have introduced the register.”

Mr Walton said the process is straightforward and enables the $30 billion a year sector to continue to operate and thrive under a clear set of standards.

“The register ensures safety for renters, certainty and amenity for neighbours, and extra money in the pockets of homeowners,” Mr Walton said.

“This can only happen if rentals are registered, so we’re calling on Byron hosts to get on board and join more than 28,600 holiday homes already signed up to the NSW Planning Portal since 1 November.”

All registered properties must have a fire safety plan finalised by 1 March 2022, including clear evacuation diagrams, alarms, extinguishers, and emergency contacts.

NSW Fair Trading’s Code of Conduct must also be adhered to, with a COVID-safe strategy in place.

For more information and to register, visit planningportal.nsw.gov.au/STRA