Enforce Existing Laws, Don't Ban Short-Term Rentals, Says Sydney Expert

Sydney's short-term rental debate is heating up as the City of Sydney Council considers banning short-term rentals in 11 inner-city suburbs. However, Krystina Cleary, founder of Cleary & Co, a leading Sydney Airbnb management agency, argues that the real issue isn't the number of listings—less than 2% of Sydney's housing stock is on Airbnb—but the enforcement gap. According to City of Sydney data, only 2,468 out of 5,454 active short-term rental listings are officially registered under the NSW Short-Term Rental Accommodation framework, leaving over 3,000 unregistered hosts operating illegally. Cleary contends that instead of adding new restrictions, authorities should enforce existing laws to hold unscrupulous operators accountable.

Cleary & Co, which manages over 100 properties and holds Airbnb Superhost status, represents homeowners who rely on short-term rental income for retirement, medical expenses, or business funding. Cleary emphasizes that a ban would disproportionately affect these individuals, forcing them into a long-term rental model that limits personal use and income. She points out that similar restrictions in Byron Bay failed to solve housing issues and predicts the same outcome in Sydney. The company's approach focuses on providing a five-star experience for travelers, with quality management and compliance advisory services.

Despite regulatory uncertainty, Cleary remains optimistic about the future of short-term rentals in Sydney. She believes that poorly managed properties and cut-corner operators will be weeded out, leaving a market centered on quality and guest satisfaction. For property owners, Cleary & Co offers impartial advice tailored to individual circumstances, helping them navigate the evolving landscape. The key takeaway: enforcing current regulations and focusing on quality could address housing concerns without penalizing responsible homeowners.