Extreme new rules for Airbnb holidaymakers in Aussie tourist hotspot
A popular Queensland holiday destination is cracking down on short-term rental homes listed on websites like Airbnb, including prohibiting guests from making excessively loud noise by "cheering, clapping or singing".
From February 1, Noosa Shire Council’s new accomodation law, prompted by a surge in rental properties in the Sunshine Cost tourist hotspot, will take effect.
Short stay rentals will need to apply for approval and display the notice at the front of the property with the phone number for a 24/7 complaints hotline.
"The lack of local management, together with the creep of visitors into residential neighbourhoods and mix of visitors and permanent residents, has given rise to a number of complaints," the council’s website reads.
Properties now require a contact person who lives within 20km to be available around the clock and respond to any issues like noise complaints within 30 minutes.
They are also encouraged to meet guests at the home to explain the code of conduct for their behaviour, which also pertains to outdoor decks, balconies, swimming pools and spas.
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Under the code, holidaymakers must not "cause a nuisance" or "display unacceptable behaviour" like yelling or screaming or "excessively loud cheering, clapping or singing".
Pets are also not allowed to make too much noise and guests are not allowed to sleep in tents or caravans on the premises.
The new rules, which will be reviewed next year, pose a serious headache to holiday home owners, with 86 per cent of them living outside of Noosa and 51 per cent living interstate, Nine News reports.
Sue Willis from Niche Luxury Accommodation told the publication she believes the accomodation law will be exploited.
"It sounds like you can't sit around a pool and enjoy your children in the pool," she said.
"I think there are people out there who would prefer not to have a holiday house next to them and now they've got an open door for that complaint."
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