Mayors in NSW holiday hotspots consider short-term rental caps after 60-day limit proposed

Mayors across New South Wales will look to adopt strict limits on short-term holiday rentals to address housing shortages if the state government accepts recommendations to allow the Byron shire council to impose a 60-day annual cap.

The planning minister, Paul Scully, is yet to make a ruling, but the advice was welcomed by Byron Shire mayor, Michael Lyon and many in the community.

Other local government leaders said they may consider similar limits to improve housing affordability for residents including nurses and teachers, who struggle to find accommodation in part due to homes being tied up in short-term rentals.

The mayor of the Snowy Monaro regional council, Narelle Davis, said her region was similarly affected by high levels of housing stress, especially during the ski season.

Davis said much of Jindabyne was locked up in short-term rentals. Forcing people to release those properties for workers could be part of the solution, but more needed to be done to boost housing stock overall, she said.

The mayor of Ballina shire, which neighbours Byron, Sharon Cadwallader, said there was a major issue with housing in the region.

But she said people should be aware of the potential effects that such limits could have on tourism if accommodation becomes harder to come by.

The Waverley mayor, Paula Masselos, whose council oversees popular spots like Bondi and Tamarama, was continually monitoring the appropriateness of the state laws covering Airbnb and said she would consult with the community on any changes.