Mobilife

NSW STRA Code of Conduct

What Users & Partners need to know

In NSW, short-term rental accommodation (STRA) is regulated by a mandatory Code of Conduct that applies to everyone involved — guests, hosts, letting agents, booking platforms and facilitators. It sets behaviour standards, explains how complaints are handled, and enables penalties (including listing on a public Exclusion Register) for serious or repeated breaches.

Who this applies to

Users (guests) booking STRA stays.
Partners (hosts) offering a dwelling for STRA.
Also covered: letting agents, facilitators and booking platforms.
STRA is a commercial stay of up to 3 months at a time, separate from residential tenancies.

Key obligations at a glance

A) Users (guests)

Follow the law & rules: comply with criminal law, planning laws and any strata/community by-laws related to the premises.
Respect neighbours: no excessive noise, threatening behaviour, property damage, or conduct that unreasonably interferes with others’ peace and use of common areas.
Return access items: don’t copy/keep keys or passes after the stay.
Report issues early to the host/representative.
You’re responsible for your visitors’ conduct during the stay.
If listed on the Exclusion Register, you cannot book STRA stays.

B) Partners (hosts)

Act lawfully (incl. planning laws/strata by-laws) and provide what you advertise.
Hold liability insurance that covers third-party injury/death for the occupancy period.
Be contactable: available in ordinary hours to manage guests, the premises and complaints, and outside ordinary hours for emergencies.
Give guests key contacts (host/rep, emergency electrician, emergency plumber, and 000) and a copy of the Code and any applicable by-laws.
Take reasonable steps so guests follow the rules, and respond to neighbour/Owners Corporation concerns promptly.
Notify neighbours/owners corporation that the premises is used for STRA and provide your contact details.
Register the premises before advertising and display the PID-STRA on listings; keep registrations renewed annually.
Check the Exclusion Register: do not host/accept bookings where the host, the premises, or the guest is listed.

Complaints, enforcement & penalties — how it works

Anyone can lodge a complaint to NSW Fair Trading about alleged breaches of the Code. A fair process applies (notice, submissions, reasons, and review rights).
Possible actions include warnings, directions, recording a “strike”, and listing a host/guest/premises on the Exclusion Register.
Exclusion Register: Generally, two strikes within two years can lead to a listing; entries are publicly searchable and remain for five years.
NSW Fair Trading provides guidance and a public complaints page explaining the process and obligations for all participants.

Registration & planning framework (for hosts)

NSW operates a state-wide STRA planning framework that complements the Code. Most hosts must register on the STRA Register before advertising, comply with the STRA Fire Safety Standard, and display the PID-STRA number on all online listings. Renew annually.

Quick FAQs

Is STRA the same as a tenancy?

No. STRA is a commercial use (up to 3 months at a time) and is regulated separately from residential tenancy laws.

Do I really need to register my place to host?

Yes — before advertising — and you must display the PID-STRA on the listing. Renew yearly.

What if someone gets a strike?

You’ll be notified and can make submissions and seek review. Repeated or serious breaches can lead to a five-year Exclusion Register listing.

Important links

Full Code — NSW Fair Trading: Code of Conduct for the Short-term Rental Accommodation Industry.
NSW STRA overview & laws — NSW Fair Trading (Code start date, updates, penalties).
STRA Register — NSW Planning Portal (register/renew; fire safety; display PID-STRA).

Disclaimer

This page is a plain-English summary for Mobilife Users & Partners. It is not legal advice. Always refer to the official Code, NSW Fair Trading guidance, and the NSW Planning Portal for current requirements.