Compliance and Safety

Once you have decided to move forward with holiday renting your property it's time to start preparing.  The first part of setting up is ensuring that the property  compliant and safe to offer as a short term rental.

Understanding Short Term Rental Accommodation (holiday rentals) in the eyes of NSW Department of Planning and Environment

The NSW Government has implemented a statewide regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation which you can learn about here: STRA Register

Approved for use

For us to manage a property, it must be approved for use according to council requirements, and any areas where beds are must be approved as habitable space as per council requirements, which you can read more about here: Do I need approval?

Landlord Insurance

Running a holiday rental is like running a small business, and it is best to be prepared for both the good and the bad as part of the process.

Whilst there are rarely any issues beyond small and accidental damage and the expected fair wear and tear, it is always best to be prepared for the worst.

Be it something as simple as a broken window or hole in the wall, a bigger problem like a fire, or even worse, an injury to a guest, having suitable insurance is paramount.

You should have a policy that explicitly covers short-term rentals and covers building, contents and liability.

There are many insurance providers in the market, and if you would like to use the company we use as a comparison to your current provider, you can contact them as follows:

CorpSure
Benjamin Roberts
ben@corpsure.com.au
1300 822 743
www.corpsure.com.au 

STRA Fire Safety Standards

Dwellings to be used for STRA are required to comply with fire safety standards.

• More details here: STRA Fire Safety Standards

Fire Blanket and Fire Extinguisher

To protect your property and guests from the devastating impact of a house fire, we require all properties to have a fire blanket and fire extinguisher in the kitchen area as a minimum.

For Class 2 buildings (apartments and units), specific fire safety standards must be met, as outlined in the STRA Fire Safety Standards: STRA Fire Safety Standards

First Aid Kit

Every property is expected to hold a first aid kit.

Blinds and Curtains

Window coverings such as curtains, shades and blinds with cords and chains can cause injury and death to young children and babies if they become wrapped around their necks and as such all cords must be secured inline with Fair Trading requirements. 

• More details here: Blinds and Curtains

Window and Balcony Safety (specifically for strata buildings but suggested for all buildings)

In NSW, all residential strata buildings (but suggested for all buildings) must be fitted with window safety devices.

• More details here: Window and Balcony Safety

Locks and Security Devices

All properties must provide and maintain locks or security devices to make sure that the property is reasonably secure.

• More details here: Locks and Security Devices

Repairs and Maintenance

To ensure your property is guest ready, it's essential to conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Pay close attention to any potential repair or maintenance issues, no matter how minor they may seem. Small inconveniences you may have grown accustomed to could significantly impact a guest's experience, especially if they are unfamiliar with the property.

If you want a 5-Star review you have to set your property up to provide a 5-Star experience.

Swimming Pools and Spas

Any property with a swimming pool or spa must be registered and compliant.

• More details here: Swimming Pools and Spas

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