1. Is Airbnb legal in Perth?

Yes, Airbnb is legal in Perth, but it’s regulated as short-term rental accommodation (STRA). In practice, the key is doing the admin in the right order so you can host without worrying about enforcement, strata disputes, or a local planning breach.

Most Perth hosts should start with two questions:

• Is my place hosted (you live on-site during guest stays) or un-hosted (entire place)?
• Am I planning to host occasionally, or as a consistent year-round rental?

Those answers affect whether you’ll need development approval and what evidence you may need to stay registered.

Want a quick reality check before you invest time into setup?

2. The rules that matter in Perth and Western Australia

2.1 Register your STRA before you advertise

WA requires STRA providers to register and use the registration details in their advertising. The official starting point is the WA Government Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register.

2.2 Hosted vs un-hosted, why it changes your approvals

Hosted and un-hosted STRA can be treated differently under planning rules. If you’re not sure where you fit, the quickest clarification is usually Airbnb Help Centre guidance for Western Australia, then double-check the WA government guidance.

2.3 The 90-night rule and when planning approval applies

In the Perth metropolitan area, some un-hosted STRA can operate for up to a limited number of nights without development approval, but different rules kick in if you go beyond the threshold. The clean explainer to reference is WA planning reforms for short-term rental accommodation, and the practical summary is in the STRA planning and registration fact sheet. For a deeper dive on common edge cases, see our Perth STRA registration and 90-night rule guide.

Unsure how the register and planning rules affect your exact property?

2.4 Strata by-laws, leases and “can I do this in my building?”

Even if you’re compliant with registration and planning, you still need to check:

• Strata by-laws (some buildings restrict short stays)
• Your lease (if you’re a tenant, you usually need written permission)
• Building rules (keys, noise, rubbish, access to common areas)

If you manage multiple properties, write these checks into your onboarding checklist so you don’t inherit someone else’s problem.

2.5 Don’t ignore tax, it’s part of “compliance”

If you earn income from Airbnb, you generally need to declare it and keep records. A practical starting point is ATO guidance on renting out all or part of your home, then speak to an accountant if you’re unsure about deductions, apportionment, GST, or capital gains impacts.

For the legal basis of registration requirements and penalties, refer to the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act 2024.

3. Step-by-step setup checklist before you list

Use this as a simple “done list” before your first booking.

3.1 Compliance admin (do this first)

1. Confirm hosted vs un-hosted use
2. Register the property (and keep your registration details accessible)
3. Check local planning requirements for your address and intended hosting frequency
4. Review strata by-laws and lease permissions (if applicable)
5. Make sure your listing details match your actual setup (bed count, maximum guests, parking, access rules)

3.2 Guest readiness (the stuff that prevents bad reviews)

• Clear check-in instructions (including what to do if they arrive late)
• A short house manual (Wi-Fi, bins, parking, noise expectations)
• A simple maintenance plan (who fixes what, and how fast)
• Linen and consumables restock plan

3.3 Safety basics you should not skip

Most guest issues come from unclear expectations, but your bigger risk is safety negligence. At minimum: smoke alarms where required, emergency info visible, and sensible security (locks, outdoor lighting, and a process for lost keys).

4. Fees, cleaning and guest expectations (so your ratings stay strong)

Pricing is not just about revenue, it’s also about avoiding complaints. Keep it simple and predictable.

Before you set prices, get clear on Airbnb hosting fees in Australia so you understand the cost structure.

At minimum, understand Airbnb hosting fees, and decide whether you’ll charge a separate cleaning fee. If you do, align it with typical Airbnb cleaning fees and what guests really expect so it feels fair and reduces backlash.

Two practical rules that help:

• If guests are paying a cleaning fee, the place should look professionally prepared, not “quick tidy”.
• Set clear cleaning expectations in your listing (especially for longer stays, pets, and outdoor areas).

If hosting feels like a second job, you don’t have to do it alone.

5. When it makes sense to use a manager in Perth

If you’re hands-on, self-managing can work. But if any of these are true, management usually pays for itself in time saved and fewer mistakes:

• You live away from the property
• You’re busy, and guest messages slip
• Cleaning quality varies, and reviews are inconsistent
• You want smarter pricing without watching the calendar daily

If you’re comparing providers, start with this guide on the best Airbnb management company in Perth, and make sure you ask how they handle compliance, cleaning QA, and guest escalation.

Also, don’t ignore insurance. Short stays can sit outside standard landlord policies, so check your cover and consider holiday let insurance where appropriate.

6. FAQs

Do I need to register my Airbnb in Perth?

If your property is operating as STRA in WA, registration is required. Start with the WA register guidance and keep your registration details handy for your listing and records.

What is the 90-night rule in Perth?

Some un-hosted STRA in the Perth metro area can operate up to a defined threshold without needing development approval. Beyond that, you may need approval from your local government area.

What if my apartment building (strata) doesn’t allow short stays?

Strata by-laws can restrict STRA even if you meet state registration and planning rules. Always check by-laws first, and get written clarification where possible.

Do I pay tax on Airbnb income in Australia?

In most cases, Airbnb income needs to be declared, and you may be able to claim eligible deductions. The ATO guidance is a good starting point, but speak to an accountant for your specific setup.

Should I charge a cleaning fee?

Often yes, but only if it reflects real costs and the finish is consistently high. If guests feel “charged twice”, they complain in reviews.

What’s the simplest way to estimate earnings before I commit?

Use an address-based calculator to sanity-check demand and price range, then compare self-managing vs management costs.

Conclusion

Airbnb in Perth can be straightforward if you treat compliance and setup like a checklist: register, confirm planning requirements, then build a clean guest experience with clear rules and reliable cleaning. If you want the lowest-stress route, get a realistic estimate first, then decide whether you want to self-manage or hand day-to-day operations to a professional team.