News In Brief

A new Code of Conduct and regulations for short-term rentals

The NSW Government’s decision to introduce strengthened regulations and registration systems for NSW rental accommodation has been congratulated by accommodation bodies, and accom operators consider the decision long overdue.

Industry body, Accommodation Association (AA) welcomed the introduction of a Code of Conduct (CoC), and confi rmation that a full short-term rental regulatory framework including a Premises Register and fi nal SEPP will be in force by June 1, 2021.

Over the last eight months the NSW accommodation sector has faced consecutive revenue decline - a drop of 70-80 percent. Unregulated short-term rental accommodation has been a contentious issue for the industry, and it is considered that tighter regulations have been a long time coming. Dog wins! A landmark judgement made in NSW delivers a huge win for Angus and all apartment owners with pets! The highest court in New South Wales has delivered a decision that has struck down an att empt from one of Sydney’s most famous apartment buildings to ban animals. The Court of Appeal invalidated the apartment building ban on animals and the decision will have wider ramifi cations for owners corporations and apartment owners. Bartier Perry partner Sharon Levy explains a unanimous decision from three Court of Appeal judges on The Horizon’s att empt to ban animals from the building was a breach of legislation. She said: “This decision eff ectively changes the way owners’ corporations can govern their strata schemes.” Ms Levy’s fi rm represented Jo Cooper, the owner of a 13-year-old miniature mean some signifi cant changes

lengthy legal batt le to keep Angus Accommodation Association CEO Dean Long said: “Until now, shortterm rental accommodation has operated without the measures, controls and regulations that the traditional accommodation sector is required to meet. The NSW Government is now moving to level out the playing fi eld by addressing this signifi cant regulatory imbalance. It is in the sector’s interests and in the interests of hosts and consumers and those living close to these properties that the appropriate frameworks for safe and appropriate operation are in place.”

The new regulations follow changes to the Fair-Trading Act 1987 and Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 in April, which permits NSW strata properties, via by-laws, to prohibit short-term lett ing.

By mid-2021, a strong Code of Conduct will be in place which outlines the rights and obligations of short-term rental accommodation industry participants plus strengthened planning regulations supported by a registration system for oversight and the above changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.

Tourism body, Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) agreed that the new mandatory CoC will help level the playing fi eld for established accommodation hotels. TAA, NSW, CEO, Michael Johnson said the code includes obligations for hosts, guests, online booking platforms and lett ing agents, as well as a complaints process for anyone to complain about breaches.

He said: “TAA thanks the NSW government for listening to our concerns and implementing these much-needed changes. With the new code of conduct and registration and planning laws in place we can hope to see a regulated short-term rental accommodation environment that complements the accommodation sector rather disrupting it.”

Mr Johnson added that the Code of Conduct comes at a crucial time for the industry.

The national body for the Australian short-term rental accommodation industry (ASTRA) has also welcomed the release of the CoC in NSW. Rob Jeff ress, Chairman of ASTRA said it will introduce professional standards across the industry.

ASTRA represents the 70,00080,000 STRA mum and dad, families, and small business operators with a combined investment in excess of $35 billion.

According to Jeff ress “ASTRA recognises the use of ‘residential properties’ as having a legitimate position in the accommodation sector. Given that STRA comprises around 25 percent of all tourism accommodation in NSW and up to 50 percent in regional areas, where it is a key driver for local tourist economies and jobs, the CoC will give clarity, and a state-wide regulatory framework while allowing fl exibility for local government controls. “The CoC will set professional standards; make sure properties are safe and compliant; target and address issues such as irresponsible owners, dodgy operators, party houses

Dog versus strata?

schnauzer named Angus, the court found that banning animals breaches strata scheme legislation which provides that by-laws can’t be “harsh, unconscionable or oppressive.”

Ms Levy said the decision of Angus’ owner Ms Cooper to fi ght a in her apartment had not only been vindicated but was also set to impact thousands of apartment owners across the State.

Cookie is a proud resident of an apartment building in QLD and was very happy to hear the news. Image supplied

“This ruling may have far wider ramifi cations as to the by-laws owners corporations can impose on apartment owners. Every dog has its day but Angus’ win could and bad guests.”

and legal challenges to by-laws for years to come,” said Ms Levy.

Ms Cooper said she was overwhelmed by the court decision aft er a fi ve year legal batt le to keep Angus in her apartment. “The emotional toll from pursuing this case has been incredibly hard. Yet throughout the last fi ve years I’ve also lost count of the number of pet and apartment owners who have reached out and supported our stance. “Today is a win for Angus but it’s also a decision that will hopefully ensure owners corporations take a more balanced approach to the governing of apartment owners,” said Ms Cooper.

Making it easy for you, Hotel Interiors has bundled 3 Guest Room furniture packages designed to make refurbishing your guest rooms simple, stylish and affordable. We will come to you!

Work with our Design Team to customise colours and fi nishes to suit your property. These packages not for you? Contact us to discuss your accommodation refurbishment project today!

* MOQ & Conditions Apply

FINANCE AVAILABLE, PLEASE ENQUIRE TODAY!!

Bronze Package Silver Package

BOOK YOUR GUEST ROOM REFURBISHMENT NOW!

1300 876 055

Gold Package

Inclusions:

1x Headboard 1x Side Table 2x Bedside Tables 1x Floop Lamp 2x Bedside Table Lamps 1x Dining Table 2x Bed Throw Cushions 2x Dining Chairs 1x Bed End Runner 1x Luggage Rack 1x Artwork 1x Desk Chair 1x Occassional Chair 1x Desk & Mini Bar

Optional Extras:

Sofa Sofa Throw Cushions Coffee Table

$4,320.00 +GST

Inclusions:

1x Headboard 1x Side Table 2x Bedside Tables 1x Floop Lamp 2x Bedside Table Lamps 1x Dining Table 2x Bed Throw Cushions 2x Dining Chairs 1x Bed End Runner 1x Luggage Rack 1x Artwork 1x Desk Chair 1x Occassional Chair 1x Desk & Mini Bar

Optional Extras:

Sofa Sofa Throw Cushions Coffee Table

$4,990.00 +GST

Inclusions:

Stone Top

1x Headboard 1x Side Table 2x Bedside Tables 1x Floop Lamp 2x Bedside Table Lamps 1x Dining Table 2x Bed Throw Cushions 2x Dining Chairs 1x Bed End Runner 1x Luggage Rack 1x Artwork 1x Desk Chair 1x Occassional Chair 1x Desk & Mini Bar

Optional Extras:

Sofa Sofa Throw Cushions Coffee Table

$6,220.00 +GST

Priding ourselves in delivering projects on time, on budget and at a high standard, Hotel Interiors has had the pleasure of working with an array of clients, from small to multi-national. We are proud to have delivered over 350 hotel projects from small hotels to major accommodation chains, including Hilton, Sheraton, Rydges and Peppers.

1300 876 055

6 tips for hotels, caravan parks & providers who want to accept pets

By Deb Morrison, PetCloud

One important decision operators will need to make is whether you want to allow pets.

While allowing pets will increase your vacation rental pool, it will also increase the wear and tear on your hotel rooms. If you are considering off ering your hotel rooms, cabins, or caravans as a rental for people bringing their pets, you will likely want to do the fi ve following things.

1. Take out the carpeting

Dogs, cats, and other pets may tear up or otherwise damage your carpeting. To avoid having to repair or replace carpeting aft er a misbehaving animal destroys it, replace all, or at least most, of your carpeting in your property with laminate, tiling, or another fl ooring that is likely to bett er withstand your guests’ pets.

2. Create a pet-friendly outdoor space

The amount of space that you dedicate to your guests’ pets will depend on your property’s outdoor area. At the very least, your guests who are bringing their pets along will likely appreciate a large fenced-in grassy area where they can play with their pets and allow them to go outside without worrying about them wandering away. When listing your property, you will want to make sure to highlight this outdoor space, even including a few pictures of it so potential guests can see why your property is a great place for them to stay with their pets.

3. Let your guest know about other local petfriendly locations

If there are other great petfriendly areas around your property, it is also a good idea to leave your guests information about these places. You can create a short

Image courtesy of PetCloud

brochure that you leave on a table or counter where your guests can see it and determine any places they want to visit with their pets. Your brochure can even include basic maps to these locations as well as the approximate distance to the location. If there is a cost to visit these places, include that in the brochure as well.

4. Establish rules

To ensure that your guests and their pets treat your property with respect, you will need to establish rules. These rules should be included in the contract and should be posted somewhere on frame the rules and put them on a wall in the living room or in another area where your guests can see them.

Your rules may include stipulations about how many pets your guests can bring, what types of pets are allowed in the rental, and any fi nes or fees you will charge, either for disobeying the rules or for any damage that their pets cause to the property.

Some vacation rental owners choose to charge a deposit if a person brings along a pet. Then you can return all or a portion of the deposit if the renter’s pet does not cause damage.

It is also important to make it clear that this is a pet-friendly property. Those with pets, as well as those without pets, will appreciate this courtesy.

Even though you will want to make sure that your rental is thoroughly cleaned aft er every guest, even just a few the rental property. You can

left over dog hairs could cause a problem for someone with a pet allergy, or an outbreak of fl eas.

Pets absorb poison through their paws, so any cleaning and pesticides used on the property will need to be non-toxic for pets.

5. Liability with leaving treats

If you’re considering allowing pets in your vacation rental property, you are likely an animal lover yourself. You may be thinking of leaving treats for the pets so they will feel like an appreciated guest. You could have a cookie jar full of dog treats or include a package of treats on the counter for your animal guests to enjoy. Let your guests know that these are complimentary. You may even want to ask your guests about their pet’s favourite treats or any dietary restrictions so you can pick out the right treats for your new furry guest.

Just bear in mind that diff erent pets do have vastly diff erent diets according to their needs. Switching their diets can cause upset tummies, Upset tummies can cause dogs to vomit or have diahorrea. Vomit can ruin your carpets, stain, and leave smells and be a cleaning expense.

If you are then blamed for any illness for treats supplied, you may be up for expensive Vet Bills.

Of course, these are just a few tips for vacation rental owners. The key really is to make your rental pet-friendly while also making it clear that you expect your guests, both humans and animals, to show respect toward your property.

6. Consider partnering with a dog walking or doggy day care service

If your guests are wanting to go to theme parks for the day, or National Parks or some Beaches, Marine Park protected Beaches, National Parks, and Theme parks don’t allow pets.

So, leaving fi do locked up in-doors all day may cause an excess of built up energy which may result in excess barking or room destruction. Caravans and Cabins in particular will also need ventilation and heating or cooling to be running all day to avoid heatstroke over summer if pets are left behind, increasing running costs.

This article was submitt ed by PetCloud, which is a national, Australia-owned and operated service to help operators costeff ectively reduce wear and tear. Part owned by RSPCA Qld, PetCloud off ers a “Dogcierge” with Pet Taxis, Doggy Day Care and Dog Walking (& more). All Doggy Day Carers and Dog Walkers are police checked and insured. National Customer support is provided by RSPCA Qld Staff .