Is Airbnb legal on the Gold Coast?

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Yes — when your property is approved for Short-term accommodation (STA). The City adopts the Planning Regulation 2017 definition: using premises to provide accommodation to tourists/travellers for less than 3 consecutive months (distinct from a home-based B&B and from a party house). Start by confirming what approvals your site already has and what your zone allows. Use PD Online to look up existing approvals/conditions and zoning.

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Local terms to mirror: Short-term accommodation (STA), Material change of use (MCU), party house (a separate use/overlay under the City Plan).

Do I need council approval (DA/MCU)?

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Changing from ordinary residential use to Short-term accommodation is often a Material change of use (MCU) and may require a development approval. Whether it’s accepted, code assessable or impact assessable depends on your zone/precinct and building. Check the City Plan’s Part 5: Tables of assessment for your address.

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What the zones signal

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• Low-density residential: the City Plan lists Short-term accommodation among incompatible uses that are not located in the zone — a strong flag you’ll need a robust planning pathway and, in practice, impact assessment is common.
• Medium/High-density & centres: STA is contemplated in higher-density environments. For example, the High density residential zone outcomes explicitly include Short-term accommodation (still subject to assessment benchmarks/conditions). Always confirm your exact assessment category in Part 5 for your lot.

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How to check your property (fast):

1. Search your address in PD Online and download any approval documents/conditions.
2. Note your zone/precinct and overlays; then open City Plan Part 5 (Tables of assessment) and the relevant zone code to see the assessment pathway and benchmarks.

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If your building already holds a historic tourist/short-stay approval, you may be covered. If it’s purely residential, expect to lodge an MCU before advertising.

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Body-corporate (strata) rules

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For most Gold Coast schemes under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997, by-laws cannot restrict the type of residential use where the use is otherwise lawful (e.g., you have planning approval for STA). Bodies corporate can still regulate behaviour and common-property (noise, waste, parking) and enforce approval conditions.

Safety & building rules (Queensland)

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• Smoke alarms (all dwellings): Interconnected photoelectric alarms required in every bedroom, hallways that connect bedrooms, and on each storey. Deadline for all homes: 1 Jan 2027 (rentals and sold properties already apply earlier).
• Fire & evacuation (multi-res/buildings other than single dwellings): A fire and evacuation plan is required under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008; QFES provides advisory notes for plan content and occupant training. Coordinate with your building manager/body corporate.‍
• Licensing (shared-facility accommodation): If you operate hostel/boarding-house style premises with shared facilities, City Rental accommodation licensing applies — this is different from a private whole-home STR.

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How to stay compliant (step-by-step)

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1. Check approvals in PD Online. Download existing approvals/conditions for your lot.
2. Confirm your zone & pathway. Use City Plan Part 5: Tables of assessment + your zone code to see whether STA is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable.
3. If an MCU is needed, prepare and lodge your DA. Include any required reports (e.g., noise, traffic/parking). Consider pre-lodgement to de-risk conditions. (See City DA guidance.)
4. Coordinate with your body corporate. Obtain written confirmation that your intended use aligns with approvals/by-laws; agree noise/waste/parking house rules.
5. Meet safety rules. Install/verify QFES-compliant smoke alarms and ensure any fire & evacuation plan duties are met for multi-res buildings. Keep maintenance records.‍
6. List responsibly. Reflect approval conditions in your house rules (quiet hours, guest numbers).
7. Need help? Our local team can handle compliance and operations: Airbnb management in Gold Coast. Bookmark our live Airbnb rules — Gold Coast page.

FAQs

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1) Is there a citywide night cap (e.g., 90 days)?
No. The City regulates short-stays through the City Plan’s planning approvals and assessment, not a fixed annual cap. Check your zone and assessment pathway.

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2) Do I need a permit or registration number?
There’s no general STR registration. What you may need is an MCU/DA if Short-term accommodation isn’t already permitted on your site.

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3) I’m in a low-density street—can I host?
The Low-density residential zone code lists Short-term accommodation as an incompatible use. In practice, applications are harder and often impact assessable. Seek planning advice before listing.

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4) Can my body corporate ban Airbnb?
By-laws cannot restrict the type of residential use where your use is otherwise lawful (e.g., STA with approval), though they can regulate behaviour/common property.

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5) What smoke alarms do I need?
Interconnected photoelectric alarms in bedrooms, connecting hallways and each storey; all homes must comply by 1 Jan 2027.

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6) What about “party houses”?
“Party house area” is mapped as an overlay in the City Plan. If you’re near one, expect tighter controls/conditions.

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Not Advice: This guide highlights key points for short-term letting and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change — always check the relevant authority’s website for your property and seek professional advice if unsure.