The Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) register is an initiative of the Western Australian (WA) Government through the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act 2024 to gather information on the STRA sector in WA. This information is needed to ensure that we have a clear, information based, picture of the sector thereby enabling data driven decision making. STRA refers to the practice of renting out a property (or part of a property) for a relatively short period of time, usually on a nightly or weekly basis.
Under the registration system, providers of short-term rental accommodation within Western Australia are required to register their property to operate and advertise, including on online booking platforms.
The aims of the short-term rental accommodation registration scheme are to:
- assist the State and local governments to obtain a better understanding of the short-term accommodation sector in Western Australia leading to more informed policy and regulatory responses;
- provide the community with information about what short-term rental accommodation exists in their area; and
- ensure providers are aware of local laws and planning controls.
The Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act 2024 was passed in April 2024. The STRA register opened on 1 July 2024, with registration of STRA premises becoming mandatory from 1 January 2025.
What is STRA?
Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) refers to the practice of renting out a property (or part of a property) for a relatively short period of time, usually on a nightly or weekly basis.
This type of accommodation is usually booked through online platforms and is popular among travellers and visitors seeking a temporary place to stay for holidays, business trips or other short stays.
STRA includes types of properties that have not been developed for traditional accommodation purposes and can include apartments, houses, or even individual rooms within a host’s residence.
STRA properties are either hosted – where the host lives onsite, or un-hosted – where guests have exclusive use of the premises.
What needs to be registered?
There are some short-stay arrangements which are specifically excluded from the requirement to register as STRA. The following arrangements are not considered STRA for the purposes of registration with the WA State Government.
Excluded | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
Hotel/Motel | Purpose built hotel/motel which may be licensed under the Liquor Control Act 1988 | Hilton, Holiday Inn |
Serviced Apartments | Self-contained short stay accommodation with associated reception or recreational facilities such as a gym or pool. | Mantra, Quest |
Tourist developments | A building, or group of buildings used to provide short-term accommodation with onsite facilities and on-site management. | Farm-stays |
Caravan Parks | Premises that fall under the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 section 5(1) | Big 4, RAC Holiday Parks |
The following arrangements are considered STRA for the purposes of registration with the WA State Government.
Included | Definition | Example |
---|---|---|
Holiday Houses/Units | Individual self-contained houses/units that are provided for short term accommodation for commercial remuneration. | Investment property |
Bed and Breakfasts | Where short-term accommodation is provided in a house or unit for no more than 4 adults or one family when the resident is present. | Renting a room out in your house for short stay |
Ancillary Dwellings | A premises of less than 70m2 on the same lot as the primary residence used to provide short-term accommodation. | Granny Flat |
Additional houses | A second house of greater than 70m2 on the same lot as the primary residence which is offered for short-term accommodation on a commercial basis. | Old workers cottages |
Tiny Houses | A caravan or ancillary dwelling on the same lot as a primary residence that is offered for Short-term accommodation on a commercial basis. | A caravan in the back yard rented for short stay |
How do I register my STRA premises?
The STRA Register is an online system, allowing for quick registration of a STRA premises. During the registration process you will be asked questions that relate to your STRA property, you will not be required to provide any documents to support your registration. Upon completion, you will be provided a registration number for your registered STRA premises.
The STRA Register can be accessed at - Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register (www.wa.gov.au)
Register search
You can search for a specific address to determine if that address has been registered as Short Term Rental Accommodation with the WA State Government. You will not be given contact details for the owner or manager; you will only find out if they are registered.
In addition, you can search a specific STRA registration number to find whether it is a valid, current registration number and in which suburb that property is registered. Again, you will not be given contact details for the owner or manager.
Access the STRA Register search - Register search (www.wa.gov.au)
For queries relating to the registration scheme contact Consumer Protection by email or call 1300 30 40 54