The death of a teenager following a party held at a Christchurch Airbnb property has highlighted issues for commercial accommodation providers who see short-term renters as cashing in without contributing. He recognised there was a legitimate place for short-term rentals but they were being allowed to operate outside safety and compliance regulations. He wanted to see council define houses being used only for short-term rental as commercial providers, with owners paying commercial rates and following health and safety regulations, instead of waiting for some general direction from central government. Steve Watson, MBIE’s national manager for tenancy compliance and investigations, said that as local councils regulated short-term visitor accommodation activities, each was responsible for creating its own bylaws. Advice to poorly prepared visitors walking the Tongariro Crossing has probably saved many travellers an uncomfortable experience or worse.

Source: Stuff August 30, 2021 02:50 UTC