The Andrews Labor Government has listened to the concerns of residents in CBD apartment buildings who are forced to put up with noisy parties when neighbours rent out their apartments.
Short stay accommodation – where people rent their apartments for a night or two – can create a headache for neighbours forced to endure disruptive parties.
Fulfilling Labor’s election commitment, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jane Garrett, has announced an independent seven-member expert panel to look at the issue.
The panel will look at reforms to better balance residents’ rights to quiet enjoyment of their homes with the rights of other owners to lease their properties as short stay accommodation.
The panel, which will begin working in the first week of March, will also examine the impact of short stay accommodation on tourism and investment in Victoria.
The panel is expected to complete its work by the end of May before delivering a report to the Minister.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jane Garrett
"Noisy parties can be more than a nuisance, they can cause real tensions in apartment blocks when residents and investors clash."
“We understand that short stay accommodation is an issue for some Melbourne apartment dwellers and the panel will look at how other cities cope, both around Australia and overseas."
“We need to find the right balance and the panel will take a common sense and practical approach to minimise disruption.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020