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.
No single province-wide definition. Municipal schemes define categories such as “short-term accommodation establishment,” “guest house” and “bed-and-breakfast,” generally for temporary/transient guests rather than a fixed day count.
Short-term lets are legal across KwaZulu-Natal. There is no province-wide register or night cap; planning is municipal under the KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act (PDA) and local land-use schemes. Larger cities (e.g. eThekwini/Durban) define and regulate uses such as bed-and-breakfast, guest house and short-term accommodation establishments via their schemes and by-laws; smaller municipalities publish their own rules. There is no provincial tourist levy (TOMSA’s 1% industry levy is voluntary). Keep basic fire-safety measures in place and follow municipal fire by-laws and national building/fire standards. 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 legal across KwaZulu-Natal. There is no province-wide register or night cap; planning is municipal under the KwaZulu-Natal Planning and Development Act (PDA) and local land-use schemes. Larger cities (e.g. eThekwini/Durban) define and regulate uses such as bed-and-breakfast, guest house and short-term accommodation establishments via their schemes and by-laws; smaller municipalities publish their own rules. There is no provincial tourist levy (TOMSA’s 1% industry levy is voluntary). Keep basic fire-safety measures in place and follow municipal fire by-laws and national building/fire standards. Declare income to SARS; VAT applies only if you are a registered vendor.
Registration / Permit
No provincial STR register. Whether consent is needed depends on the local municipality’s scheme and zone. eThekwini and other KZN municipalities classify short-stay uses (e.g. guest house, B&B, short-term accommodation establishment) and set where they are permitted, consent-use or prohibited.
Max Nights
None at province level (any limits arise from municipal schemes/consents or body-corporate rules).
Planning / Zoning
Consent/rezoning timelines vary by municipality; straightforward applications often take several weeks to a few months, longer if public participation or tribunal hearings are required.
Safety & Insurance
Install and maintain working smoke alarms, keep escape routes clear, provide basic emergency information, and comply with municipal fire by-laws and national fire-protection standards (SANS 10400-T). Larger/commercial setups must meet additional code requirements.
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.
Install and maintain working smoke alarms, keep escape routes clear, provide basic emergency information, and comply with municipal fire by-laws and national fire-protection standards (SANS 10400-T). Larger/commercial setups must meet additional code requirements.
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• eThekwini (Durban): Land-use scheme and 2022 Accommodation Establishment and Fire Safety by-laws regulate guest/short-term establishments and safety.
• uMhlathuze (Richards Bay): B&B/guest-house by-laws and updated land-use scheme regulations set intensity, bedroom and parking limits.
• Sectional-title buildings and estates: approved conduct/estate rules may limit or ban short-stays regardless of municipal zoning.
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⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
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• eThekwini and other KZN municipalities are updating sub-schemes and accommodation by-laws; expect refinements to definitions, bedroom/parking limits and consent triggers.
• Keep watch for municipal fee-schedule updates and any province-wide guidance issued by KZN COGTA on fire services and planning alignment.
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
Local Municipalities and their Municipal Planning Tribunals (e.g. eThekwini, Msunduzi, uMhlathuze); KZN COGTA/Provincial departments (framework/oversight); SARS (tax); municipal fire services.
your local authority.
