Heard about OccuMax® pricing?
You can earn up to 30% more with our unique pricing strategy. Developed from managing over 350,000 bookings, it runs entirely within local regulations and has already earned our hosts over £112 Million.
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FIND OUT MOREYou can earn up to 30% more with our unique pricing strategy. Developed from managing over 350,000 bookings, it runs entirely within local regulations and has already earned our hosts over £112 Million.
Paid short-stay visitor accommodation in a dwelling or part thereof; assessed by use and intensity under the DMS rather than a fixed day count.
Short-term lets are legal in Cape Town, but they’re governed by the City’s Municipal Planning By-law and Development Management Scheme (DMS). Running a dwelling as visitor accommodation (guest house/B&B/“accommodation facility”) often needs Consent Use depending on your zoning, scale and impacts. There’s no citywide night cap or separate STR register. Declare income to SARS; VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds R1,000,000 in any rolling 12 months. Comply with the City’s Community Fire Safety By-law (equipment, evacuation information, maintenance) and any planning/building conditions.
Defined in municipal planning schemes (often as ‘transient/visitor accommodation’). Thresholds vary; some councils use ~30 days as a guide. Check local scheme.
Short-term lets are legal in Cape Town, but they’re governed by the City’s Municipal Planning By-law and Development Management Scheme (DMS). Running a dwelling as visitor accommodation (guest house/B&B/“accommodation facility”) often needs Consent Use depending on your zoning, scale and impacts. There’s no citywide night cap or separate STR register. Declare income to SARS; VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds R1,000,000 in any rolling 12 months. Comply with the City’s Community Fire Safety By-law (equipment, evacuation information, maintenance) and any planning/building conditions.
Registration / Permit
No STR register. Check your zoning; apply for Consent Use where the DMS requires it. Meet any building/fire-safety conditions attached to approvals.
Max Nights
None locally; South Africa has no national night-cap rule.
Planning / Zoning
Timeframes vary with advertising/objections and referrals—expect several weeks to a few months from a complete submission.
Safety & Insurance
Comply with the Community Fire Safety By-law: provide suitable fire-fighting equipment, evacuation signage/information, and maintenance/servicing records; operate in line with National Building Regulations and any approval conditions.
Tax
SARS income tax on profits; VAT 15% if supplies > R1,000,000/12 months. Municipal property rates/tariffs (e.g., City of Cape Town) may treat STRs as commercial.
SARS income tax on profits; VAT 15% if supplies > R1,000,000/12 months. Municipal property rates/tariffs (e.g., City of Cape Town) may treat STRs as commercial.
Comply with the Community Fire Safety By-law: provide suitable fire-fighting equipment, evacuation signage/information, and maintenance/servicing records; operate in line with National Building Regulations and any approval conditions.
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⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
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National STR policy is being developed; sectional-title/short-stay controls continue to be debated—monitor City and national updates for any registration/threshold changes.
Defined in municipal planning schemes (often as ‘transient/visitor accommodation’). Thresholds vary; some councils use ~30 days as a guide. Check local scheme.
⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm with
City of Cape Town — Development Management; City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Services
your local authority.
