Unauthorised Short-Term Letting

Short-term letting is a growing trend and usually comes in the form of letting homes as vacation rentals via short-term letting companies, such as Airbnb. A major headache for property managers and investors is unauthorised lets from tenants.

Some of the concerns that arise due to unauthorised lets are security, damages and, in some cases, theft. There are apartment buildings that have specific bylaws banning short-term lets, but it’s been found by one firm that five to 10 per cent of unit owners don’t follow such rules. Those who occupy neighbouring units are mainly concerned about peace and quiet as well as security.

Fortunately, short-term letting companies are responding to these concerns and attempting to counter unauthorised operations. Airbnb, for example, ensures that the lessor warrants and represents that the posting of a listing, the book of accommodation, and the guest’s stay at accommodation, will not breach any third party agreement. In the future, apartment buildings may even incorporate special security measures, such as fingerprint and facial recognition.

For property managers and landlords in Queensland, they can also refer to state laws that cover short-term letting or subleasing The standard Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 has a general tenancy agreement that states that the tenant may only sublet a premises if the landlord agrees in writing to the sublet or if the subletting is under an order of the Tribunal. If the tenant fails to comply, they may be in breach of the lease agreement as well as the RTA act.