The Mornington Peninsula hosts over 1.6 million overnight visitors annually, attracting it the third-largest short-stay rental market in Australia. If you operate or intend to operate short-term rental accommodation in this sought-after area, regulations here are not something you can skip, it’s mandatory.
Short Stay Rental Accommodation Local Law
Passed in May 2018, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s Short Stay Rental Accommodation Local Law applies to any property rented out for commercial use for a period of up to 30 consecutive days. The law was enacted to both maximize the area’s thriving tourist industry as well as support local residents’ needs.
The law places the entire responsibility for guest conduct on the shoulders of property owners, so professional management is imperative for compliance and peace of mind.
Registration Requirements
All short-term rental houses on the Mornington Peninsula must be registered with the Shire. It costs $335 a year to register, and failure to comply with existing registration can involve enforcement action. Renewal must occur each year, and when your property is sold, the new owner must apply for new registration before receiving visitors.
Code of Conduct Essentials
The Code of Conduct provides some requirements owners must comply with:
Guest Behaviour Control: The owners will control the behaviour of guests. The undesirable behaviour is violent attitude, excessive shouting, shrieking, quarrelling, and screaming and cheering or singing beyond reasonable moderation which disturbs neighbours.
Quiet Hours: The open areas such as swimming pools, spas, decking, and balconies are not available between 11pm and 7am. This is to ensure neighbourhood quiet at sleeping time.
Parking Requirements: Off-street parking for all visiting vehicles must be provided, with details forwarded before arrival. Additional accommodation like caravans or tents cannot be accommodated on the land.
Waste Management: Owners must inform visitors about rubbish disposal and remove any excess waste deposited.
The Designated Contact Person
One of the most significant conditions is to appoint a Designated Contact Person who can respond at any given time within two hours, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This could be a property manager, security company, or local representative. There needs to be written contact information sent to neighboring properties.
Enforcement and Penalties
The Shire is committed to compliance. Registration can be revoked if three substantiated complaints are made in a rolling 12-month period. In severe cases, cancellation is possible after just one severe incident.
Why Professional Management Matters
Adhering to these regulations while maximising your rental revenue requires skills and keen awareness. Professional property managers ensure your listing complies while handling guest communication, behaviour monitoring, and quick action in case of any problems.
With fines of losing your registration and only two hours in which to answer, working together with professionals in local management who understand Mornington Peninsula law protects your investment and fosters friendly relations with neighbors.
Compliance with and a knowledge of these laws isn’t just about staying out of trouble, it’s about being a good Peninsula citizen while running a profitable short-term rental property.