# Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals

- Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/
- Published: 2026-03-22T14:09:38+02:00
- Author: dearSA

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![Draft Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.
co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/22135956/Tourism-code-of-good-practise-header-scaled.
jpg "Tourism code of good practise header")

![DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/
02/08135845/DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA.png "DEAR-SOUTH-AfFRICA")

0

comments individually delivered to the Minister, so far

       * No I do not support the draft code 5962
       * Yes I do 290
       * Not fully 328

### The Department of Tourism has gazetted a Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals (STRs), framing it as a “non-binding” interim measure.

However, Minister Patricia de Lille has confirmed that this Code is the critical
first step toward a total overhaul of the Tourism Act of 2014, which will introduce
formal, mandatory regulations for the home-sharing economy.

    - _For Hosts:_ The move toward “commercial” reclassification could see your 
      municipal rates double or triple. Plus, the threat of 90-day annual rental
      caps is now on the table.
    - _For Guests_: Your privacy and your pocket are at risk. New mandates for data
      sharing and the rising costs of host compliance will likely mean higher booking
      fees and less choice for your next holiday.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of property rights and the tourism 
economy before these “guidelines” become the law of the land.
 click the link for
more info, or scroll down to have your say

[ view info, statements, documents and videos](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/summary)

## 󠀁[ view comments from other participants before you have a say](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/comments)󠁿

**Do you support the proposed Code of Good Practise as published by the Minister?**

**What is your concern? (scroll down for an explanation of each point) **

As you've selected 'All of the Above', if you had to choose a top concern, what 
would it be?

**Are you an AirBnB host? (for our reporting purposes only) **

the fields below are optional ——————————

**What is your preferred channel for feedback on this campaign?**

**Your preferred language?**

**What is your status? (for our reporting purposes only) **

 **Check your email address then hit send! You will be redirected to a confirmation
page. **

![D-icon](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11192438/
D-icon-40x40-1.png "D-icon-40x40")

### _Top concerns_

[Economic Viability](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/#1770131112026-5a70eb21-10f14092-4d80)

Risk of reclassification for commercial rates/levies, which will increase costs 
for both hosts and guests.

[Property Rights & Rental Caps](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/#1770131112043-0e75ef86-4b6c4092-4d80)

Concerns that “guidelines” will lead to 90-day annual limits on rentals, reducing
choice for travelers.

[Privacy & Data Security](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/#1770131281853-5866958a-b51c4092-4d80)

The mandate for platforms to share guest identity and host data with government 
authorities.

[Compliance & Safety Costs](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/#1770131323251-266a4851-6c9c4092-4d80)

The financial burden of mandatory commercial-grade safety equipment for small-scale
stays.

[Selective Enforcement](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/#1774181976982-1b313c7b-d7cc)

Holding hosts and guests to “community norms” that may be inconsistently applied
or lead to unfair evictions.

[Market Availability](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/#1774181999235-af9cb732-e674)

Reduced supply of affordable “home-away-from-home” options for local families.

### _Perspectives: What is the debate?_

[What SUPPORTERS say](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/#1770892117175-dfc38055-c8384092-4d80)

    - _Fair Competition:_ It levels the playing field between Airbnbs and traditional
      hotels/B&Bs that pay commercial rates and tourism levies
    - _Housing Availability:_ Regulating STRs prevents long-term rental stock from
      being depleted, making housing more affordable for locals.
    - _Safety & Quality:_ It ensures a minimum standard of safety (smoke detectors,
      insurance) for international and local tourists. Guests deserve the same safety
      and insurance protections in an Airbnb as they get in a 5-star hotel.
    - _Community Harmony:_ It gives residents and Body Corporates a framework to
      manage noise, parking, and security issues caused by transient guests.

[What OPPONENTS say](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/#1770892117205-3c7c32e1-ce3d4092-4d80)

    - _Privacy:_ Forcing guests to submit to government-tracked data sharing is 
      a violation of privacy that will drive tourists to other destinations.
    - _Livelihood Threat:_ Many South Africans rely on STR income to pay their mortgages
      and survive the cost-of-living crisis; over-regulation kills this “side-hustle”.
    - _Property Rights:_ A homeowner should have the right to use their private 
      property as they see fit without government-mandated caps on occupancy.
    - _Administrative Overkill:_ The requirements are too “corporate” for a simple
      room-sharing arrangement and will discourage new entrants.
    - _Privacy Risk:_ Forcing platforms to share personal data with the state is
      an overreach that risks the security of both hosts and guests.

[ View more info](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/code-of-good-practice-for-short-term-rentals/summary)