A short-stay accommodation provider has been issued a $2,000 infringement for failing to display a mandatory registration number, marking the first enforcement action under Western Australia's Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) laws.
- Consumer Protection issues first infringement under WA's STRA laws
- $2,000 fine for advertising STRA property without displaying a registration number
- Reminder for operators to comply with registration and advertising requirements
A short-stay accommodation provider has been issued a $2,000 infringement for failing to display a mandatory registration number, marking the first enforcement action under Western Australia's Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) laws.
The infringement issued by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Consumer Protection division related to a residential property in the Perth metropolitan area that was allegedly advertised in breach of the requirements introduced under the STRA reforms as the advertisement did not display the STRA registration number.
Under the legislation, short-term rental accommodation providers must register their properties with Consumer Protection and display the registration number in all advertisements. The registration number allows prospective guests and the wider community to verify that a property is lawfully registered on the State's STRA Register .
Advertising publications and booking platform providers also have responsibilities under the STRA laws and are prohibited from publishing STRA advertisements for unregistered properties or those that fail to display, or falsely display, a STRA registration number.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said the infringement should serve as a timely reminder that compliance with the law is mandatory.
"The registration system was designed to improve transparency and accountability across WA's short-term rental accommodation sector," Ms Blake said.
"Displaying a registration number is not optional - it allows consumers to confirm a residential property is registered and helps create a level playing field for operators who are doing the right thing."
Ms Blake said Consumer Protection would continue monitoring compliance and take enforcement action where appropriate.
"This first infringement demonstrates that Consumer Protection is actively enforcing legislation and will take action where operators fail to meet their obligations."
Consumers booking short-term rental accommodation are encouraged to check advertisements for a valid STRA registration number and verify the details through the public STRA Register.
"Before making a booking, consumers should look for the registration number and use it to confirm the property is registered. This provides added assurance that the operator is complying with Western Australia's regulatory requirements."
Further information about the STRA Register and registration requirements is available on the WA Government website: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-local-government-industry-regulation-and-safety/short-term-rental-accommodation-register
