STRA Register: What Is It & Why Was It Introduced in Western Australia?
If you’re a property owner or investor in Western Australia considering short-term rentals, you may have come across the term STRA Register. This new system is part of a statewide initiative to regulate the rapidly growing short-term rental accommodation (STRA) market, which includes properties listed on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. But what exactly is the STRA Register, and why has it been introduced? Let’s break it down.
What Is the STRA Register?
The Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Register is an official database where all properties operating as short-term rentals in Western Australia must be listed.
Each property is assigned a unique registration number, which must be displayed on all listings and advertising material.
The register is publicly accessible, allowing guests, local councils, and regulators to verify whether a property is operating legally.
Registration typically requires property owners to provide details about the property, its location, and compliance with relevant planning and safety requirements.
The system is designed to bring more transparency and accountability to the industry, ensuring both hosts and guests have clear, enforceable standards.
Why Was the STRA Register Introduced?
The Western Australian Government introduced the STRA Register to address several growing challenges in the short-term rental sector:
1. Consistency and Compliance
Before the register, local councils had different rules for short-term rentals, creating confusion for hosts and guests alike. The register provides a uniform framework across the state, making compliance clearer and easier to enforce.
2. Guest Safety and Standards
By requiring properties to register and meet basic safety standards, the government aims to protect travelers. Guests can now book with more confidence, knowing properties on the register are operating within legal and safety guidelines.
3. Impact on Housing Supply
The rapid growth of short-term rentals raised concerns about housing availability and affordability, particularly in popular tourist areas. The register helps authorities monitor the scale of the STRA market and balance it against community housing needs.
4. Level Playing Field
Hotels, motels, and other accommodation providers argued that STR operators had an unfair advantage because they weren’t subject to the same rules and oversight. The register brings STRs closer in line with the wider accommodation industry, creating a fairer competitive environment.
What This Means for Property Owners
If you operate or plan to operate a short-term rental in Western Australia, registration is now mandatory. Failure to register could result in fines or your property being removed from booking platforms.
While this adds an extra step for owners, the register also offers benefits:
Increased credibility with guests.
Clearer understanding of your legal obligations.
Greater industry stability through a transparent, regulated system.
Conclusion
The STRA Register represents a significant shift in how Western Australia manages short-term rentals. Introduced to improve compliance, guest safety, housing balance, and fairness in the accommodation industry, it’s now an essential requirement for anyone operating an STR property. For investors and hosts, staying compliant not only avoids penalties but also enhances trust with guests and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the market.
Need Help?
Navigating new regulations can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Harp Property Co, we specialise in managing high-end short-term rentals and guiding property owners through every step of compliance, including STRA registration. Whether you need help registering your property, optimising returns, or delivering five-star guest experiences, our team is here to make the process seamless. Get in touch today to see how we can help maximise your investment with confidence.