SCAQ x Air BNB

We are pleased to announce the release of the Airbnb Strata Hosting Guide: Queensland, developed in collaboration with SCAQ and informed directly by feedback from our members.

This guide represents a practical and constructive step forward in supporting responsible short stay accommodation within Queensland strata communities.

As outlined in the Guide, Airbnb worked in partnership with SCAQ to ensure the resource reflects the realities of body corporate living and the operational experience of strata managers.

Importantly, Airbnb has publicly acknowledged the contribution of SCAQ and our members in shaping this resource.

Why this matters

Short stay accommodation continues to be a live issue across many schemes. Rather than standing on the sidelines, SCAQ has taken a proactive role to ensure:

• Hosts understand their obligations within strata communities

• Body corporate rules and community expectations are respected

• Safety, insurance and disturbance risks are clearly addressed

• Strata managers are recognised as key stakeholders in the process

The Guide reinforces that hosting in a strata building comes with unique responsibilities and must balance guest activity with the rights of residents and bodies corporate 

What the Guide Covers

The document provides structured guidance across key areas including:

1. Courtesy and Community Conduct. Clear expectations around house rules, parking, noise, smoking, pets and neighbour communication. It also reinforces Airbnb’s party ban and Neighbourhood Support processes.

2. Regulations and Permissions. Guidance for hosts to check local planning controls, contractual obligations, mortgage restrictions and social housing rules before hosting.

3. Health and Safety. Practical recommendations on fire safety, hazard prevention, emergency contact information, appliance servicing and child safety

4. Community Disturbance Policy. Clear processes for reporting disruptive gatherings and consequences for policy breaches.

5. Insurance and Protection.

Explanation of AirCover for Hosts and the importance of appropriate insurance coverage, noting that platform protection does not replace comprehensive insurance arrangements.

In addition, Airbnb has issued a practical Strata Hosting Checklist for Queensland to support hosts in implementing these obligations

Our Role

SCAQ welcomed the opportunity to collaborate and ensure this resource reflects Queensland’s legislative and strata management framework.We also extend our sincere thanks to the members who provided input during consultation. Your insights were instrumental in shaping a guide that promotes responsible hosting while protecting residents and supporting body corporate governance.

This collaboration demonstrates the value of SCAQ membership. When government and major platforms engage with the sector, it is SCAQ and our members who are at the table.

Next Steps

We encourage all members to:

• Review the Strata Hosting Guide

• Familiarise your teams with the checklist and disturbance reporting pathways

• Use the resource when advising committees managing short stay activity

• Share it with owners who are considering hosting

You can access the Guide and Checklist here:

Strata Hosting Guide: Queensland 

Strata Hosting Checklist: Queensland

SCAQ remains committed to strengthening trust, transparency and respectful community living across Queensland’s strata sector. This collaboration is an example of how proactive engagement delivers better outcomes for our members and the communities you serve.