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 visitor accommodation for transient guests in a dwelling or part thereof; assessed by use and intensity under the Land Use Scheme (not a fixed day count).
Short-term lets are legal in Durban, but they’re regulated by eThekwini’s planning and by-law framework. Running a dwelling as visitor accommodation (guesthouse/B&B/short-term accommodation establishment) will often need Special/Consent Use under the eThekwini Municipal Land Use Scheme. In addition, operating an accommodation establishment requires a municipal certificate under the Accommodation Establishments By-law 2022. There’s no night cap and no city STR register separate from this certificate. Comply with the Fire Safety By-law 2022 (equipment, evacuation plan, servicing) and any planning/building conditions. Declare income to SARS; VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds R1,000,000 in any rolling 12 months. Properties used for guest accommodation may be re-rated to business in the City’s Property Rates Policy.
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 Durban, but they’re regulated by eThekwini’s planning and by-law framework. Running a dwelling as visitor accommodation (guesthouse/B&B/short-term accommodation establishment) will often need Special/Consent Use under the eThekwini Municipal Land Use Scheme. In addition, operating an accommodation establishment requires a municipal certificate under the Accommodation Establishments By-law 2022. There’s no night cap and no city STR register separate from this certificate. Comply with the Fire Safety By-law 2022 (equipment, evacuation plan, servicing) and any planning/building conditions. Declare income to SARS; VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds R1,000,000 in any rolling 12 months. Properties used for guest accommodation may be re-rated to business in the City’s Property Rates Policy.
Registration / Permit
No separate STR register. Apply for Consent/Special Consent where the zoning requires it, and obtain an Accommodation Establishment certificate (by-law 2022) before trading. Meet building approval and fire-safety conditions.
Max Nights
None locally; South Africa has no national night-cap rule.
Planning / Zoning
Timeframes vary with public participation/referrals—expect several weeks to a few months from a complete application.
Safety & Insurance
Comply with the Fire Safety By-law 2022: approved fire plan, adequate extinguishers/hose reels as required, evacuation routes and signage, maintenance/servicing records; operate in line with National Building Regulations.
Tax
SARS income tax on rental profits; VAT 15% if supplies > R1,000,000/12 months. Municipal property rates/tariffs per city (e.g., Durban/eThekwini) may differ.
SARS income tax on rental profits; VAT 15% if supplies > R1,000,000/12 months. Municipal property rates/tariffs per city (e.g., Durban/eThekwini) may differ.
Comply with the Fire Safety By-law 2022: approved fire plan, adequate extinguishers/hose reels as required, evacuation routes and signage, maintenance/servicing records; operate in line with National Building Regulations.
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⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
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Municipal tariffs and rates policies are reviewed annually—check for updated application fees/rating categories. National STR policy is still being developed; watch for possible 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
eThekwini Municipality — Development Planning; eThekwini Fire & Emergency Services
your local authority.
