Almost 500 homes operating as short stay accommodation in Brisbane’s suburbs will be advised to cease operating and return to the long-term rental market by 30 June 2026.
Under landmark reforms to Brisbane’s short stay accommodation framework, Council will write to these owners to inform them they either do not or are unlikely to receive the necessary planning approval.
Owners of these properties, which are in areas zoned low density and low-medium residential density, will be required to obtain appropriate development approval or cease operating them as short stay accommodation by mid next year.
The reforms also include a new three-strikes permit system to stamp out rogue short stay accommodation operators whose guests frequently disturb neighbours.
Meanwhile, the Schrinner Council will continue to advocate for changes to the State Government’s body corporate legislation to give other owners greater say over whether short stay accommodation can be operated in their complex.
The reforms follow the completion of Council’s Short Stay Accommodation Taskforce and extensive consultation.
Despite claims to the contrary, a University of Queensland study commissioned by the former State Government found most short stay accommodation was in tourism areas and had little impact on rental affordability.
Regardless, the Schrinner Council’s reforms will ensure Brisbane’s short stay accommodation remains in inner-city and tourism areas where it is best located and better regulated through a new permit scheme.
Under the new permit scheme, operators will be required to:
• Nominate a 24-hour contact person to respond to complaints within 60 minutes and report back to Council within 24 hours.
• Provide guests with house rules.
• Display the permit number in all advertisements.
• Hold public liability insurance
• Obtain any other required approvals, such as development approval or pool safety certification, before applying for a permit
Under the changes, council would liaise directly with the nominated 24/7 contact person, who would be responsible for managing and responding to complaints.
Council would also have strong enforcement powers to act against operators who breach their permit conditions or operate without a permit.
Short-stay accommodation owners who incur three warnings from Council within a three-year period will have their permit rejected.
Owners who let their property as short stay accommodation without a permit could face fines of more than $140,000.
Immediate noise, anti-social behaviour, crime and safety issues would continue to be handled by the Queensland Police Service.
As part of applying for a permit, short stay operators will also need property owner consent, must notify their body corporate where applicable and ensure the property is correctly zoned under the Brisbane City Plan.
The cost of the permit is to be determined, but will be cost recovery only.
Hotels, emergency and social housing, serviced apartments with 24/7 onsite management, and home-based bed and breakfast businesses will remain exempt from permit requirements.
The new permit system will deliver:
• Faster, local responses to neighbourhood concerns
• Clearer accountability for property owners and managers
• Better balance between tourism activities and residential amenity
• Simple pathways for residents to report issues through the right channel
The Schrinner Council’s reforms will ensure Brisbane’s short stay accommodation is better regulated and remains in inner-city and tourism areas where it is best located.
People will continue to be able to access accommodation in the suburbs through the new Suburban Pub Stays Strategy that encourages suburban pub owners and operators to deliver new accommodation and function spaces on large, underutilised suburban sites.
The proposed local law will be released for public consultation from 12 December 2025 to 16 February 2026 and will then undergo State Government review before returning to Council for final approval and adoption.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane is growing faster than almost any other city in Australia, and with that growth comes both challenges and opportunities.
“This new law is about striking a balance between supporting tourism and economic activity and protecting the peace of our suburbs where people live.
“We want to make sure our suburbs remain places where residents enjoy the lifestyle Brisbane is known for.
“These changes will help return hundreds of homes to the long-term rental market while still ensuring short stay accommodation can operate in the parts of the city where it makes sense.
“By better managing where short stay accommodation is located, we’re creating more certainty for residents and visitors while helping strengthen the supply of homes in Brisbane’s suburbs.
“Our suburbs are the heart of Brisbane, it’s where people live, work and relax and it’s important to protect the character and amenity of our neighbourhoods.
“Tourism will always be important for our city, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of suburban amenity. “
Quotes attributable to Australian Apartment Advocacy Director Samantha Reece
“The Australian Apartment Advocacy commends the Brisbane City Council for its foresight to put these regulations in place in advance of the 2032 Olympics.
“The Council has engaged in meaningful dialogue with a number of key stakeholders and the proposed laws reflect the comments raised during the 12-month consultation process.
“We believe these changes will provide twofold benefits, with owners in apartments having protection from negligible short stay hosts as well as offering much needed accommodation choice for families and groups.
“We look forward to working with the city as these laws come into place from 2026 and monitoring their positive impact.”
Quotes attributable to Strata Community Association Queensland General Manager and Company Secretary Laura Bos
“A local law gives bodies corporate clearer rules and a consistent framework for managing short-term letting in their buildings
“A registration scheme delivers vital oversight and transparency about which lots are operating as short-term accommodation.
“This information helps committees plan, set expectations and manage community impacts more effectively.
“Enforceable penalties and problem-management rules are essential to protect residential amenity, especially in buildings with many permanent residents.”
