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Displaying the 5 latest comments.
Submitted | first-name | support | concern | top-concern | message |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026-10-05 21:13:57 +02:00 | Melanie | No I do not | Economic Impact | This proposed rates hike into ‘commercial’ is absolute greed and is an excuse to increase income for the city. We are already taxed via rates and municipal services to the max, with water and electricity levies exorbitantly high. Airbnb rental income is subject to SARS tax. How much more are we expected to pay whilst trying to earn a living??? Local Airbnb owners are trying to earn income and make ends meet in a struggling economy. Many have bonds and have bought in an inflated market with running costs that will just cut them at the knees. Until the law changes that give landlords the same rights and protection as tenants, why should rentals be expected, when non paying tenants have all the rights and cannot be evicted without landlords resorting to massive legal fees and court processes due to non payment? At least on Airbnb you are guaranteed payment with insurance included for theft or damages. It’s a win win for tourism, related businesses, local owners and smaller towns that rely on hospitality. You can’t compare a hotel with an Airbnb- it’s a completely different business model. And the proposed 6 month Airbnb listing cap will be a disaster- how will this be fairly apportioned? This is government overreach and control that I strongly object to. This will backfire, it will hurt tourism and local property owners who are just trying to get ahead! | |
2026-09-19 05:03:31 +02:00 | Alia | No I do not | All of the above | Economic Impact | |
2026-09-12 10:09:23 +02:00 | Hester | No I do not | All of the above | Data Privacy | |
2026-09-03 14:51:25 +02:00 | Lilly | No I do not | All of the above | Regulatory Overreach | |
2026-08-24 13:49:01 +02:00 | Peter | No I do not | All of the above | Regulatory Overreach | I am particularly concerned about the Minister involved based on her past record. I think that this is very relevant given that many of our visitors are from overseas. I cannot see that this official is the right person to handle this very important position. The short term rental platform is a very important factor of our tourism sector and of other countries. Decisions of this importance and nature need to be in the hands of a competent and reasonable person with understanding and not someone carrying considerable negative baggage |
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- 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.
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- 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.
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