Changes to short-term rentals like Airbnb are coming, have your say

The government is moving to tighten oversight of the short-term rental market, which benefits tourism but could be adding to growing housing pressure for citizens.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has published a draft code of good practice for short-term rentals, which is now open for public comment.

Speaking to CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit on Good Morning Cape Town, she said the guidelines aim to guide operators and platforms such as Airbnb as the sector continues to grow.

The public now has 60 days to submit comments.

Kiewit noted that, in Cape Town, around 70% of the residential units in the CBD are used for short-term lets.

"So, this draft code places the responsibility on the hosts by talking about tax, safety and adhering to bylaws. But also to the guests as well; it's about behaviour concerns, noise compliance."

He questioned why this was not being made law.

De Lille explained that Chapter 2 of the current Tourism Act empowers the minister to issue codes of good practice for tourism services, but does not empower the minister to regulate short-term rentals.

"The Department of Tourism is in the process of reviewing the current Tourism Act, following cabinet's approval of the White Paper in 2024... including policy gaps like short-term rentals. And while this process is underway, I have resolved to find an interim solution, given the urgent need for guidance.

"A lot of complaints that we are receiving are that short-term renters must take the responsibility to inform guests of the relevant by-laws, especially the body corporate rules relating to noise and refuse. They must also provide their visitors with a clear policy. They must take reasonable steps to ensure that visitors comply.

"So, a lot of consultation will continue to take place. I encourage the public and those people who have been affected by the short-term rentals to participate," said De Lille.