Rowdy holiday homes targeted

Holiday homeowners and guests in Busselton and Dunsborough could face fines up to $5000 for anti-social behaviour, under a proposed local law.

The Shire of Busselton will vote next week on whether to advertise a draft holiday homes local law, to clamp down on "unregulated" guest accommodation in the holiday towns.

Holiday homeowners looking to rent their house would have to pay an annual registration fee and ensure an owner or manager responded to complaints within 12 hours.

Breaches of the law would carry infringements of between $150 to $400 for owners and guests, but the shire could seek fines up to $5000 if forced to prosecute protracted cases.

Shire president Ian Stubbs said, if introduced, the holiday homes local law would be the most comprehensive in WA. Cr Stubbs said the noise complaints over private holiday homes in residential areas were a constant issue in the shire.

"A lot of homes in the shire are holiday rentals and there are a lot of problems with noise and we are powerless to take action," he said.

"This regulation will mean we have a lot more power to issue infringement notices for breach of conditions. I think the law (could) make lives a lot better for those living near holiday homes."

The shire flagged tougher rules for private holiday homes after Planning Minister John Day called for increased regulation of the sector last year.

The shire wants holiday homeowners to seek planning approvals, and to maintain a register of holiday homes. Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall said similar rules should apply to private holiday homes as to hotels and motels.

"We are not opposed to holiday homes, but we would like to see more even playing fields in terms of safety standards and fire standards," he said.

Busselton real estate agent and holiday homeowner Bridgette Mas said most tenants were well behaved and knew their bond was at risk if there were serious complaints.