On August 8th 2018, the Victorian Government passed the Owners Corporations Amendment (Short-stay Accommodation) Act 2018 to enable action against AirBnB hosts and guests via VCAT. 

Unfortunately, the Victorian laws are some of the weakest in Australia and only apply to apartments and units on a strata agreement.

Problem AirBnb rentals are not confined to the city or high-density areas, and many larger properties with facilities like pools and tennis courts are being listed on AirBnB, which attract large groups looking for a place to have a house party. 

In some cases, families who have chosen to live in a quiet neighborhood are being confronted with large groups of loud party goers on a weekly basis which can make people feel disturbed, stressed, unsafe, and affect their sleep.

There is currently no protection or legal recourse for suburban neighbors in free-standing houses who are affected by the relentless stress of living near AirBnBs used for parties or hosting loud and disruptive guests.

Affected neighbours are left to work with the hosts of the AirBnb to resolve their issues directly, waste Police time and resources by calling them to turn off music or break up parties, or engage local councils who have limited powers to resolve issues. Raising issues with AirBnb are often ineffective.

We call on the Victorian Government and The Hon. Marlene Kairouz, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation and Minister for Suburban Development to toughen the existing legislation, and to expand it to protect suburban neighbours in free-standing houses.