Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Victoria, has successfully prosecuted an owner under its Short Stay Rental Accommodation Local Law.
On Thursday 10 October 2019, Council brought four charges under the Local Law in the Magistrates Court against a Sorrento property owner, resulting in a $1,500 fine.
In December 2018, neighbouring residents experienced loud music and noise from the associated property until 3am in the morning. This resulted in the local Police being called to the property to address the situation.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, David Gill, said it was an important win for Council and for the local residents.
“The purpose of the Local Law is to address the impacts of anti-social behaviour on the local community from occupants of short stay rental accommodation across the Peninsula. There has been a substantial increase in the use of this type of accommodation for large parties.
“The Local Law holds the accommodation owner responsible for the behaviour of their guests. These businesses operate in our residential neighbourhoods and anti-social and rowdy behaviour is not acceptable.”
The Shire’s Local Law is the first of its kind in the state and creates a registration system that identifies the owner of the property and requires the owner to nominate an appointed agent who must respond immediately (within two hours) to neighbour complaints.
Problems reported due to short stay accommodation in residential areas have included anti-social behaviour of occupants, use of outdoor areas late into the night, car parking congestion and poor rubbish disposal.
The Local Law is used in conjunction with the Environment Protection Act 1970, Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
