STRA Compliance Checklist for Sydney and NSW

Your Complete STRA Compliance Checklist

Operating a short-term rental in NSW requires attention to multiple regulatory areas. This checklist covers the essential compliance steps every owner must complete before and during STRA operations.

Pre-Launch Compliance

• ☐ Verify STRA is permitted in your local area (check your council's planning policies)
• ☐ Review strata or body corporate by-laws (if applicable) for STRA restrictions
• ☐ Check your mortgage and insurance documents for STRA restrictions
• ☐ Register your property with NSW Fair Trading (free, required)
• ☐ Obtain your STRA registration certificate
• ☐ Install smoke alarms in all bedrooms and living areas
• ☐ Create and display emergency evacuation plan
• ☐ Document all fire safety installations with photos and receipts
• ☐ Arrange appropriate landlord insurance or STRA-specific cover
• ☐ Review taxation requirements and GST obligations

Strata and Body Corporate Considerations

If your property is in a strata scheme, STRA may be restricted or prohibited by by-laws. Before registering, obtain a copy of your strata management statement and review any provisions restricting short-term letting.

Some strata schemes require formal approval before STRA. Check with your strata manager or read the full by-laws. Operating STRA in breach of strata by-laws can result in legal action by the strata committee.

Insurance and Liability

Standard landlord insurance typically does not cover STRA. You'll need to arrange:

• Appropriate contents insurance covering short-term guest use
• Public liability insurance ($10m+ recommended)
• Optional: cancellation insurance to cover lost bookings

Disclose STRA to your insurer. Operating without appropriate cover creates significant personal liability.

Ongoing Compliance Tasks

• ☐ Test smoke alarms monthly and keep records
• ☐ Track all booking dates (maintain 180-day cap if applicable)
• ☐ Keep guest communication and incident logs
• ☐ Conduct property inspections after each guest departure
• ☐ Maintain accurate financial records for tax purposes
• ☐ Renew STRA registration annually
• ☐ Update emergency contact information if needed
• ☐ Ensure evacuation plan remains visible and current
• ☐ Review and update insurance annually
• ☐ Keep equipment (fire extinguisher, first aid kit) stocked and accessible

The Bottom Line

STRA compliance involves multiple regulatory areas. The good news: most requirements are straightforward and one-time (registration, fire safety setup, insurance arrangement). The key is staying organised with ongoing documentation and annual reviews to ensure you remain compliant throughout your STRA operation.