Owners may be banned from renting out their properties, unruly guests may be fined, and owners may be forced to pay compensation for ‘unruly’ parties in short-term rental accommodation, under new laws in Victoria.
Rowdy, noisy parties can be a real headache for apartment dwellers.
The rise of the short-term rental market has given rise to a spate of cases in which short-term rentals have been used as party venues – sometimes causing damage worth tens of thousands of dollars to properties, and huge disruption to nearby residents.
Premier Daniel Andrews vowed to crack down on these “inappropriate” rentals, and early this year new laws were passed.
The new laws will come into effect on 1 February 2019.
What is an ‘unruly’ party?
Under amendments to the Owners Corporation Act 2006, owners corporations and residents will be able to act against other owners and their guests if ‘unruly’ parties are held in an apartment.
The amendments define what constitutes an ‘unruly’ party:
- excessive noise
- interference with residents’ enjoyment of their property
- creation of health and safety hazards
- obstruction of the common property, and
- damage to the property.
If the standards are breached three times within a two-year period, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal can prevent the apartment from being rented out for short-stay accommodation, under the new rules.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal will also be entitled to impose penalties of up to $1,100 for breaches, and impose compensation payments of up to $2,000 for any loss of amenity for residents.
The owners of short-stay accommodation and their tenants will also be liable for any damage to property caused by unruly parties.
How to resolve disputes and complaints about unruly parties
Complaints about troublesome parties in short-term rentals can be made directly to Beyond Strata by calling 03 85954364.
Try to include as much information as you can in your complaint, such as how many people are involved, and if you believe damage been done to the property itself or common property.
Keep a clear head, and try to sort the matter out fairly and calmly without becoming upset or emotional.
At Beyond Strata, we can help you resolve problems in your building.
We will help to obtain a favourable outcome when problems arise, and help you enjoy and appreciate in full the maximum benefits of your property.
