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 national definition; municipalities generally treat short-stay as accommodation for transient guests/tourists rather than a fixed day count.
Short-term letting is legal across South Africa with no national register or night cap. Planning and any approvals are set by municipalities under the national SPLUMA framework, so rules differ between cities. There is no statutory tourist tax; TOMSA is a voluntary 1% industry levy. Keep basic fire safety in place and follow National Building Regulations (SANS 10400-T) and municipal fire by-laws. Declare income to SARS; VAT at 15% applies only if you are VAT-registered and supplying “commercial accommodation.” Sectional-title/estate rules approved by CSOS can restrict or ban short-stays even where zoning allows it.
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 letting is legal across South Africa with no national register or night cap. Planning and any approvals are set by municipalities under the national SPLUMA framework, so rules differ between cities. There is no statutory tourist tax; TOMSA is a voluntary 1% industry levy. Keep basic fire safety in place and follow National Building Regulations (SANS 10400-T) and municipal fire by-laws. Declare income to SARS; VAT at 15% applies only if you are VAT-registered and supplying “commercial accommodation.” Sectional-title/estate rules approved by CSOS can restrict or ban short-stays even where zoning allows it.
Registration / Permit
No national STR register. Whether consent/registration is needed depends on your municipality’s land-use scheme. Sectional title and estate rules can add further limits regardless of zoning.
Max Nights
None nationally (any limits arise from municipal schemes or consent conditions).
Planning / Zoning
Where consent/rezoning is required, allow several weeks to a few months depending on completeness, objections and tribunal scheduling.
Safety & Insurance
Install and maintain working smoke alarms, keep escape routes clear, provide emergency information, and comply with National Building Regulations (SANS 10400-T) and municipal fire by-laws; larger/commercial setups must meet full 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 emergency information, and comply with National Building Regulations (SANS 10400-T) and municipal fire by-laws; larger/commercial setups must meet full code requirements.
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• City of Cape Town allows short-term letting to “transient guests” (30 days or less for the same stay) within its by-law framework; administrative penalties may apply for unlawful use.
• Johannesburg/Tshwane/Ekurhuleni enforce through their land-use schemes and planning by-laws; penalties can be significant.
• eThekwini (Durban) regulates guest/short-term establishments by scheme and by-laws, alongside fire-safety rules.
• CSOS can approve sectional-title/estate rules that limit or ban short-term letting; courts have upheld such rules where properly made.
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⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by 2,500+ Hosts
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National conversations about a host register continue, but no national register is in force. Municipalities and provinces periodically update their schemes/by-laws; monitor your local council for plan changes, fee schedules and enforcement updates.
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; Fire services; Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS); SARS.
your local authority.
