Subject: Petition concerning the impact of Airbnb’s in residential areas and recommendations 

Dear Chris Steel MLA,

Please find below a petition concerning the impact of Airbnb’s in residential areas and some additional recommendations for consideration from our neighbourhood.

https://www.change.org/Our_home_our_castle_gone

Summary

A family in Canberra, including their dog and young child, were forced to sleep in a caravan due to disturbances from a neighbouring Airbnb property from 28 December 24 to 18 January 2025.

A loud "trumpet-like" noise, caused by a faulty gas system at the Air BnB, disrupted sleep and caused distress, with the noise measured at allegedly 90–100 decibels. The gas system was confirmed to leak, posing safety risks. The noise severely affected the family's dog, causing pain and fear, as verified by a vet.

Despite complaints, authorities did not resolve the issue, citing limited enforcement powers. While Airbnb quickly deactivated the listing for a bit over a week (only!), local regulators had no power to stop the gas leak or noise.

Our neighbour fixed the issues in the end (gas leak and faulty gas unit causing excessive noise) and, gladly, we did not have any issues since February from the said property.

But, a similar story could still happen to other families in Canberra.

We are therefore calling for stricter regulation, enforcement, penalties for recklessly operating Airbnb’s, and better protection for neighbouring residents and animals.

We propose the following:

Airbnb properties in Canberra should be treated as commercial accommodation and only allowed in certain planning zones (areas where high noise pollution is expected and not in quiet residential neighbourhoods).
The ACT should enforce the immediate termination of wrongly used Crown leaseholds and impose fines on unapproved Airbnb’s causing harm, torment, and distress to neighbours, including animals.
Income generated by unapproved commercial accommodations should be seized by the authorities when there is a blatant disregard for the law.
Commercial accommodations (such as Airbnb’s) should not be approved in residential zones, like RZ3.
Dangerous situations, such as not immediately fixing gas leaks, should be penalised with fines and offenses to prevent harm to residents. Gas inspectors should be given the necessary powers under the legislation to turn off gas if a leak is confirmed. The relevant regulations should be implemented immediately.
Any complaints concerning animal welfare should be promptly and properly investigated by Domestic Animal Services.
It's time to take active steps towards enforcing peace and effectively noise limits in residential suburbs and considering the severe impact of operation of commercial accommodation in a quiet suburb.

Kind regards,

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Pending response - Will be posted as soon as we receive a response on the recommendations.