WA Short-Term Rental Registration: What Perth Property Owners Need to Know in 2026

Western Australia introduced a mandatory Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) registration system that took effect on 1 January 2025. Every short-term rental property in the state — whether hosted or unhosted — must now be listed on the WA STRA Register. If you're a property owner in Perth operating on Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, or any other platform, this applies to you.

What Changed and Why It Matters

The new framework was introduced to bring transparency and accountability to the short-term rental market. Local councils now have a clear view of every STRA operating in their area, which means enforcement is real and growing. Operating without registration puts your listing at risk of being shut down and could result in penalties.

As of mid-2025, 46 per cent of all registered STRA properties in Western Australia are located in Perth's metropolitan area, with the South West accounting for 27 per cent and the Peel region at 6.7 per cent. The data is now publicly accessible, which means councils are actively monitoring compliance.

Hosted vs Unhosted: What's the Difference?

Hosted STRA is where the property owner or a representative is present on-site during the guest's stay. Under the new rules, hosted STRA is exempt from requiring planning approval, but registration is still mandatory.

Unhosted STRA is the more common model for Airbnb properties — where guests have the entire property to themselves. Unhosted STRA requires both registration and, in many cases, planning approval from your local council. Perth property owners operating unhosted rentals faced strict deadlines in 2025 to comply with the new requirements.

How to Register Your Property

Registration is completed through the WA Government's online STRA Register portal. You'll need to provide your property details, confirm your hosting arrangement (hosted or unhosted), and ensure your listing complies with local planning rules.

Once registered, your STRA registration number must be displayed on all booking platforms where your property is listed. This is now a requirement across Airbnb, Booking.com, and other major platforms operating in Australia.

What Happens If You Don't Register?

Non-compliance carries real consequences. Local councils have the authority to issue infringement notices, and platforms are increasingly being required to verify registration numbers before allowing listings to go live. The days of operating under the radar are over.

How WanderNest Can Help

Navigating council requirements, planning approvals, and registration processes can be time-consuming and confusing. At WanderNest, we handle the compliance side for every property we manage — ensuring your registration is current, your listing displays the correct details, and you're operating within the rules.

If you're unsure whether your property is compliant or need help with the registration process, we're happy to walk you through it on a quick call.