Cheering, clapping and singing are among several behaviours banned under a new law regulating short-stay rental accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula.
The law, which came into force in May, has been put in place by the local council to control the use of homes and apartments listed on short-stay accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Stayz.
Aggressive behaviour, yelling, screaming and arguing are also prohibited under the new law. As stated in the code of conduct, outdoor areas including pools, spas and balconies are not to be used between 11pm and 7am, and additional accommodation, such are tents and caravans, is not permitted on the premises.
Accommodation owners must provide adequate off-street parking for guests’ vehicles, dispose of any leftover wastage, and ensure all land connected to their dwelling meets presentation standards.
The popularity of short-stay rental accommodation across the region has exploded in the last five to seven years, much to the dismay of many permanent residents. A large number of complaints has led to the Mornington Peninsula Shire taking action.
“When it comes to regulating short-stay rental accommodation, the power that we did have under the state legislation wasn’t adequate, so that’s why we’ve put a local law in place,” says shire Environmental Protection Manager John Rankine.
Under the new law, owners are required to register their properties with the council and pay a $100 application fee.
According to Mr Rankine, most owners have welcomed the new law.
“The great majority of Airbnb operators don’t want their occupants to misbehave, they want to maintain good relationships with their neighbours and they want everything to go well.”
Property owners must inform guests of the code of conduct, as well provide a copy on their accommodation’s website and social media.
(Image: Beach boxes at Mornington Beach. Credit: Towards Zero).
