Navigating the legislation for short-term rental accommodation fire safety compliance

Short-term rental accommodation (STRA) properties are subject to strict rules and regulations when it comes to fire safety compliance. In 2022, the NSW Government implemented a statewide framework to outline the regulations that STRA are required to follow.

All NSW STRA properties are now required to be registered on the government provided STRA Register by the property host/s. This register ensures that compliance is monitored for all STRA dwellings and all local councils in NSW have access to this information. Your council is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations outlined in the framework.

It is important as a host and/or owner of a short-term rental property to ensure that your dwelling is compliant with the fire safety requirements by organising certification, inspections, and appropriate fire safety equipment and maintenance.

Find out more about the services we provide tailored to STRA fire safety here.

What is considered an STRA property?

STRA’s include all dwellings that provide short-term rental accommodation as defined under State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 or any other environmental planning legislation.

STRA dwellings may include temporary accommodation provided through platforms including AirBnB, Stayz and letting agents. These properties are typically used for holiday letting purposes.

How is STRA fire safety compliance different?

The rules and regulations for STRA dwellings are put in place to provide extra support in the case of an emergency. Generally, those staying in short-term accommodation may be less familiar with the dwelling and environment, so these measures provide the crucial information to visitors to ensure their safety.

The updated STRA fire safety framework outlines the following:

• All dwellings must have smoke alarms installed in all hallways attached to bedrooms (or the area connected to the bedroom), every storey of a dwelling, and on or near the ceiling in each location.
• All dwelling must ensure smoke alarms must be interconnected, comply with AS 3786 (except where there is reasonable reason to deem this unsuitable), and powered by an electricity supply or non-removable battery with a minimum 10-year battery life.
• Class 2 and 4 buildings must have entrance/exit doors able to be opened from inside without a key and an evacuation diagram affixed inside near the entrance of the residence and in each bedroom.
• Class 2 and 4 buildings must have a 2.5kg fire extinguisher and fire blanket installed in an accessible location in the kitchen.

How to ensure you are compliant

The NSW Department of Fair Trading has developed a Code of Conduct for the STRA industry which outlines the obligations of hosts, agents, guests and booking platforms.    

As a host, you may want to cross-reference the Department of Planning and Environments STRA Registration Checklist to ensure you have taken the measures necessary to ensure fire safety compliance.

At Coastal Fire Services, we are experts when it comes to the certification of STRA properties and ensuring your compliance with fire safety equipment installation and maintenance.