Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Regulatory Framework
As part of changes to the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations in November 2024 Holiday Homes are now referred to as Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA).
Whilst a development (planning) application still applies for Unhosted STRA, the City of Busselton are no longer managing the Registration of Unhosted STRA. This is now held with the State Government of Western Australia.
For further information or to register your Unhosted STRA please visit the WA website below.
Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Initiatives
New Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation (formerly Holiday Homes)
Are you planning to use your property to accommodate guests for short-term accommodation?
If you are proposing to use a Dwelling as an Unhosted STRA, where guests have the exclusive use of the entire Dwelling and there will be no manager presence on site either within the Dwelling and/or associated Ancillary Dwelling on the same site, the following approvals will be required via a two-step process.
- Obtain development (planning) approval from the City - A development (planning) approval will be required to change the use of the Dwelling to Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation (formerly Holiday Home).
- Register the STRA premises with Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety - Register the property on the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register here >>
Refer to the Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation page for more information.
Other tourist accommodation
Whilst there are exemptions from the requirement to register some short-stay arrangements with the WA State Government, development (planning) approval may be required to operate these types of accommodation.
Please direct any enquiries regarding other short-stay arrangements (for example; Chalets, Tourist Accommodation etc.) to the City's Planning Services via email. The City will advise if a development (planning) approval is required or where a development (planning) approval has been granted, provide information regarding the approved land use of the premises and any further requirements that may apply to your circumstances.
FAQ's
What happens if I buy or sell an Unhosted STRA?
If a property changes ownership, any valid development (planning) approval for an Unhosted STRA (formerly Holiday Home) remains with the land.
Should the new landowner(s) wish to continue operating as an Unhosted STRA, the premises will need to be registered with the State Government on the STRA register here.
Refer to the Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation page for more information.
Am I in an area where Unhosted STRA is prohibited?
The below mapping identifies those areas where Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation is prohibited.
Map of areas where Additional Use A87 does not apply
How do I increase the number of guests that can stay?
A development (planning) approval for an Unhosted STRA (formerly Holiday Home) will include a condition which limits the maximum number of guests.
Should you wish to increase the maximum number of guests, a new development (planning) approval will need to be submitted to the City.
Refer to the Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation page for more information.
Why does my Unhosted STRA require a sign?
Unhosted STRA are required to provide a sign within the subject site, which displays the current contact details for the manager of the premises.
Surrounding residents or members of the public may report any concerns in relation to the operation and/or conduct of guests staying at the premises directly to the property manager.
The property manager is required to provide prompt resolution to any reported matters.
What are the standard practices Unhosted STRA operators must follow?
Unhosted STRA are subject to the provisions of the Local Planning Policy 4.1 Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation. Operators of an Unhosted STRA are required to comply with any condition(s) of development (planning) approval, including but not limited to:
- Maximum number of Occupants and Guests approved to be at the premises.
- Minimum number of designated car parking bays.
- Unhosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation Operational Management Plan.
- Conduct of Occupants and Guests.
- Management of dogs
- Waste disposal and potable water.
When does registration renewal occur?
Your registration will expire 12 months after the STRA registration is completed. You will receive various reminders, leading up to the expiration of your registration, that your registration will be due for renewal.
Having issues with an Unhosted STRA near you?
If an issue arises, neighbouring residents and affected parties should first contact the manager to provide an opportunity for the matter to be resolved directly. The manager’s contact details are available on the sign displayed at the premises (where applicable) or via the online booking platform through which the premises is advertised.
Since early 2025, all Unhosted STRA approved by the City have been subject to time-limited planning approvals. Upon expiry of the approval period, the landowner must submit a renewal application to the City if they wish to continue operating the unhosted STRA.
As part of the renewal assessment process, the City considers the operating history of the premises, including any complaints, reports, or submissions received from neighbouring residents or other affected parties during the approval period.
If you experience any concerns relating to the operation of an Unhosted STRA, please report them to the City through the online reporting system. This ensures the City is aware of any ongoing issues and can take them into account when considering compliance matters and future renewal applications.
Issues can be reported to the City via the following link:
Report It
Related Documents
Lighting Fires & BBQs - Holiday Home Brochure
Operation Management Plan (OMP) and Code of Conduct (COC) – Unhosted STRA