In the vibrant neighbourhoods of Victoria, particularly in the City of Port Phillip, a complex and multifaceted debate has been brewing over the regulation of short stay accommodation (SSA) platforms like Airbnb. The question at the heart of this debate is not a simple one: who is responsible for the regulation of noisy and antisocial behaviour of renters using short stay accommodation? Is it the Police, Owners Corporation, EPA, VCAT, or local government? This question has become a focal point for residents, hosts, policymakers, and various stakeholders, each with their unique perspectives and interests.
Residents have been increasingly vocal about their concerns, expressing deep frustration over the growing number of unregulated short-term rentals.
These short term rentals, often used for parties and large gatherings, have led to serious issues of personal safety, sleep disruption, and mental well-being.
The stories are numerous, and the impact is felt across the community. Since 2019, 50 cases at VCAT against SSA disputes have been heard, but not one host has been suspended or fined. The state law, it seems, is not working, and the residents' cries for help appear to be falling on deaf ears.
On the other side of the debate, hosts view short-term rentals as more than just a business opportunity. For many, it's a way to supplement income, support the local economy, and provide unique accommodation options for tourists. Many hosts operate responsibly, adhering to community standards and striving to be good neighbors. They argue that regulations should target the few who do not, without penalising those who are operating within the bounds of decency and respect for others.
The Victorian government's response to these concerns has been mixed. Attempts have been made to address the issues, such as the "unruly party laws" updated in 2021. However, these laws have been criticized as insufficient, leading to calls for more robust regulations and enforcement. The question of responsibility remains unanswered, with various stakeholders pointing fingers at each other, and no clear path forward.
The City of Port Phillip's stance on this matter has been particularly contentious. They have made it clear that they don't want to regulate SSA, citing too few occurrences in the area and a lack of resources – both people and funds. This stance raises serious questions about the accuracy of the statistics provided by the council. Are the numbers truly representative of the situation, or do they misrepresent the issue in the council's favor? The council's reluctance to take action has left many residents feeling abandoned and unsupported.
Councils around Australia and leading cities worldwide have found ways to implement various regulations on short-term accommodations. These regulations aim to balance the interests of residents, hosts, and tourists, creating a framework that acknowledges the complexity of the issue. Yet, in Victoria, the debate continues, with no clear consensus on who should bear the responsibility for regulating SSA.
The other main issue is the effect that Short-Term Rentals have on housing affordability and long-term rental in our city.
The economic impact of SSA is also a point of contention, and one that cannot be ignored. Data from Insideairbnb.com shows that the top 50 Airbnb hosts in Port Phillip control 543 full-time listings. Some argue that these businesses should be subject to the same regulations as other commercial enterprises, while others point out that SSA contributes to the local economy, filling a gap in the accommodation market. The Victoria Hotel Association Melbourne has confirmed 72% hotel occupancy for February 2023, suggesting that there may be room for both hotels and short-term rentals.
A resident organization called "We Live Here" has formulated actions needed from the government, including empowering councils to strike a specific rate for SSA properties and strengthening the Owners Corporation Act. These proposals highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for a multifaceted approach. They also underscore the urgency of the situation, as residents continue to grapple with the daily realities of living near unregulated short-term rentals.
The debate over short-term rentals in Victoria is not just a local issue; it reflects broader societal questions about community, responsibility, and governance. While concerns over safety, noise, and regulation are valid, it's essential to consider the broader picture, including the economic benefits, the rights of responsible hosts, and the role of government at various levels.
Under current outdated Victorian state laws, owners Corporates do not have the power to limit short term rentals within their own building.
The question of who is responsible for the regulation of noisy and antisocial behavior in short stay accommodation remains unresolved. The City of Port Phillip's reluctance to regulate, citing limited resources, adds another layer of complexity to the issue. The accuracy of the council's statistics also warrants scrutiny, as does the broader question of how communities can balance the interests of different stakeholders in a rapidly changing world. As the debate continues, the need for a clear and comprehensive solution becomes ever more pressing. The voices of residents, hosts, policymakers, and all those affected must be heard, and a path forward must be found that honours the complexity of this important issue.
Those living in the Port Phillip City Council area would be well aware of the problems associated with Short Stay accommodation. Owners Corporations and VCAT appear powerless to improve the situation.
I have requested COPP to consider using the use of Clause S59 (ie "Commercial premises must not detrimentally affect neighbourhood amenity or create a nuisance (including noise).
A St Kilda resident
