Fact sheet: Short-term rental accommodation
What is short-term rental accommodation?
Short-term rental accommodation (STRA) offers accommodation over
a limited time period.
In the Kiama Local Government Area, STRA is allowed to operate in a
privately-owned dwelling without having to obtain specific
development consent. A STRA may operate for no more than 60
consecutive days at a time/per year.
The operation of a STRA depends on the property’s owner/operator
complying with:

clause 6.10 of the Kiama Local Environment Plan 2011

Kiama Council’s Short-Term Rental Accommodation Policy
(Chapter 12 of the Kiama Development Control Plan 2012)

various industry Codes of Conduct.
Failure to comply can result in fines and the prevention of the
residence from operating as an STRA.
STRA operation requirements
STRA can exist in residential and in rural zoned areas. If you wish to
operate STRA you must refer to the Kiama Development Control Plan
2012 (Chapter 12—Short-Term Rental Policy).
The policy’s main requirements are (but are not limited to) that:

STRA may only be conducted in dwellings that are lawfully
constructed and comply with the Building Code of Australia

STRA must not adversely impact on a locality’s established
amenity, and normal residential privacy standards must be
maintained

the maximum guest numbers are adhered to

a managing agent is nominated and available 24 hours, seven
days a week, to respond to complaints, if required.
Details of 24 hour managing agents
A STRA owner/operator must provide contact details for a 24 hour
managing agent to neighbouring residents. Contact details can be
provided:

as signage located at the STRA

through written correspondence to neighbouring residences

on the STRA’s own website.
All contact details must be kept up-to-date.
A managing agent must notify Council in writing of any complaints or
issues within 48 hours of the complaint occurring.
The managing agent must notify Council of the date, time, and type of
complaint, and of the action taken.
Expectations of guests
Short-term rental accommodation that operates within a residential
setting must not negatively impact neighbouring residents.
Breaches to STRA requirements
These include, but are not limited to:

exceeding the number of permitted guests

an unreasonable number of visitors

any activities that may impact on the health and/or safety of
residents in adjoining or nearby properties

inappropriate street parking which causes traffic hazards, or a
significant or ongoing loss of parking for residents in adjoining
or nearby properties

anti-social behaviour

excessive noise that impacts on the amenity of neighbours.
Guests and visitors are required to keep noise to a minimum
between 10pm and 8am

using decks, balconies, verandas, outdoor spas, pools, and
BBQ areas between 10pm and 8am

inability to make contact with the STRA managing agent within
a reasonable timeframe

failure of the managing agent to act on a complaint or refer a
complaint to the appropriate regulatory authority where
required.
More information on STRA is available at www.kiama.nsw.gov.au
or by phoning Kiama Council on (02) 4232 0444.