Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA)

Update - March 2026: Scheme Amendment No. 14 has been approved. The City is now accepting development applications for Unhosted STRA. If you’ve been waiting to apply, see 'How to Apply' below.

Recent Changes to Short-Term Rental Accommodation Rules

Like councils across Western Australia, we’re implementing new State planning regulations to bring consistency and clarity to STRA management.

These changes aim to:

• Provide clear rules that apply fairly across Bunbury

• Support our tourism economy in appropriate locations

• Protect housing availability for long-term residents

• Ensure STRA fits with residential amenity and neighbourhood character

The City is required to align with the State framework, while tailoring local policy to reflect Bunbury’s unique community needs and tourism areas.

Key Changes

• All STRA properties (both hosted and unhosted) must register on the new state-wide register.
• Registration requires compliance with local planning laws.
• If STRA is not exempt or permitted, development approval is required.

What is Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA)?

Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) refers to renting out a property, or part of a property, to paying guests for stays of up to three months.

This type of accommodation is commonly booked through online platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com and is popular among travellers seeking temporary lodging for holidays, business trips, or other short stays.

STRA can be:

• Hosted – where the host lives on the property during the guest’s stay.
• Unhosted – where guests have exclusive use of an entire dwelling, such as a house or apartment

Which situation applies to you?

I want to host guests in my home while I’m there.

Hosted STRA doesn’t require planning approval, however, check with the City Planning Team if this likely to result in more than six people staying at the property at any one time.

What you need to do:

• Register on the State STRA Register
• Follow state regulations and comply with any strata or lease requirements. Learn more about hosted STRA.

I want to rent out my entire property (unhosted STRA).

Planning approval is required before you can operate.

Before applying:

1. Check if your property zone is eligible
2. Review Local Planning Policy 2.2 requirements:

3. Submit your application with the required documents

Applying for Planning Permission

If you currently operate an unhosted STRA without relevant development approval or are proposing to start one, planning permission will need to be sought from the City.

You will need to submit:

• an unhosted STRA planning application form and appropriate fee

• a completed Operational Management Form

Prior considerations:

1. Confirm that the land use zone where the property is located will allow the approval of Unhosted STRA.
2. Check your proposal will comply with the requirements of Local Planning Policy 2.2.

Further Information

City of Bunbury:

City Planning team: email info@bunbury.wa.gov.au or call us on 9792 7000

This page provides general information only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Property owners are encouraged to seek independent planning or legal advice for their specific circumstances.