Consultation for the second phase of the five-year review of the Strata Titles Act proposes includes a proposal to force owners at new complexes to decide on whether to allow Airbnb as one of their first orders of business.
At present, apartments can ban Airbnbs through a bylaw.
But under the proposed changes, owners must decide on the matter when the complex is first occupied, with no option to change their mind later on.
Planning Minister John Carey said it would ensure greater certainty.
Mr Carey confirmed that the the change would mean that an owner of an apartment would be able to decide to transition their apartment to an Airbnb later on.
“We’re just wanting greater clarity to say, when a new apartment complex, (it is) one of the first decisions they have to make as a group,” he said.
“What happens instead is we see it drag on. It’s contested, so it’s just again a lot of the conflict we see is because there’s not certainty and clarity in processes.
“So I’m trying to mandate.”
Shadow planning and lands minister Neil Thomson said the State Government had allowed general uncertainty and confusion to reign for an unnecessary amount of time.
“Minister Carey has known for years that this review was required as soon as practicable after May 2025, yet strata owners, council members and managers are still waiting for this review 17 months later,” Mr Thomson said.
“Strata living is growing rapidly but the laws have not kept pace with the complexity of managing modern apartment developments.
“Challenges such as the roll out of electric vehicle charging stations, adoption of renewable energy and the management of ageing apartments, can result in significant financial pressures and legal challenges for strata owners for which there is little support.
“Poor transparency around management fees, commissions and conflicts of interest; escalating insurance, maintenance and levy costs; lack of clarity of roles between strata councils and strata managers; and council members being expected to manage complex legal and financial matters adds concern for owners who have invested their life savings in an apartment.
“It is clear that apartment owners and strata councils need more support. Minister Carey must complete this review promptly, publish its findings and provide a firm timetable for legislative reform.”