To run Airbnb not so breezy

SHORT-TERM LETTING: KNOW THE RULES AND ENSURE GUESTS STICK TO THEM

- GRANT SMEE

With the right management, it can be highly successful.

With short-term letting and, more specifically, Airbnbs ramping up in South Africa, disgruntled owners and tenants are voicing their concerns when it comes to short-term letting properties contained in complexes, estates and apartment blocks.

While freehold property owners can act freely, sectional title property owners are bound by a different set of laws.

Complaints around noise, parking, damage to property and, most importantly, security in sectional title buildings are ongoing. Body corporates have begun to implement short-term letting rules and new regulations may force owners to adopt a long-term letting strategy in future.

Complaints and concerns relate to a small minority of short-term rental properties. "We do still strongly encourage short-term letting as a positive investment strategy and with interest rates at a multiyear low, we do foresee more short-term rentals coming to market.

We have, however, unpacked the rules and regulations of short-term letting within a sectional title building to bring further clarity to the process and any actions that may be taken in the event of mishaps.