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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.
No province-wide definition. Municipal schemes generally treat short-stay as accommodation for “transient guests” or “guests” staying for a short period away from their normal residence.
Short-term lets are allowed in Gauteng, but there is no province-wide permit or night-cap. Zoning and any registration or consent requirements are set by your municipality (notably Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni) under SPLUMA-based planning rules. Most small-scale hosting fits into uses like “bed-and-breakfast”, “guest house” or self-catering and may be permitted, require consent, or be prohibited depending on the property’s zoning and scheme controls. Sectional title and estate rules can further restrict short-stays. There is no provincial tourist tax; TOMSA’s 1% levy is voluntary. Keep basic fire safety in place (working smoke alarms, clear exits) and follow local fire-service guidance. Declare income to SARS; VAT applies only if you are a registered vendor.
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 allowed in Gauteng, but there is no province-wide permit or night-cap. Zoning and any registration or consent requirements are set by your municipality (notably Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni) under SPLUMA-based planning rules. Most small-scale hosting fits into uses like “bed-and-breakfast”, “guest house” or self-catering and may be permitted, require consent, or be prohibited depending on the property’s zoning and scheme controls. Sectional title and estate rules can further restrict short-stays. There is no provincial tourist tax; TOMSA’s 1% levy is voluntary. Keep basic fire safety in place (working smoke alarms, clear exits) and follow local fire-service guidance. Declare income to SARS; VAT applies only if you are a registered vendor.
Registration / Permit
No provincial STR register. Check your municipality’s scheme: Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni regulate via their land-use schemes and planning by-laws; some short-stay uses are permitted in certain zones, others need consent or rezoning.
Max Nights
None province-wide (any limits would be set by a municipal scheme or a body corporate/HOA rule).
Planning / Zoning
For applications that need consent/rezoning, Johannesburg’s by-law sets administrative, consideration and decision phases; expect several weeks to a few months depending on completeness, public participation and tribunal scheduling.
Safety & Insurance
Install and maintain working smoke alarms, keep escape routes clear, provide basic emergency information, and follow local fire-service guidance; larger/commercial setups must meet SANS fire-protection requirements.
Tax
SARS income tax on rental profits. VAT 15% if taxable supplies > R1,000,000 in any 12 months. Municipal property rates + service charges per city (e.g., Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni).
SARS income tax on rental profits. VAT 15% if taxable supplies > R1,000,000 in any 12 months. Municipal property rates + service charges per city (e.g., Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni).
Install and maintain working smoke alarms, keep escape routes clear, provide basic emergency information, and follow local fire-service guidance; larger/commercial setups must meet SANS fire-protection requirements.
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Sectional title/estate rules approved through CSOS can restrict or ban short-term letting even if zoning allows it. In apartment blocks, operating multiple units as de-facto hotel use may be treated as a more intensive land use that needs consent or rezoning. Home-based B&B allowances and parking/noise limits differ between municipal schemes.
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⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
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Johannesburg is reviewing its 2018 Land Use Scheme; operators should monitor municipal updates that may refine definitions and consent requirements for short-term accommodation.
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
Municipal Planning (Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni) and their Municipal Planning Tribunals; Community Schemes Ombud Service (scheme rules); municipal fire services; South African Revenue Service (tax).
your local authority.
