Christchurch City Council – Notice
Short-term accommodation
The massive growth of digital accommodation platforms such as Airbnb and Bookabach in the past few years is raising issues for cities around the globe, including Christchurch.
Christchurch benefits from more visitors, and visitors need a mix of accommodation. But there are also questions about the safety of guests, and the effect on the peace and quiet of surrounding homes and the impact on commercial providers, who are calling for a more level playing field.
Queenstown, Auckland and other cities around the world have responded in different ways.
Christchurch City Council is working to get a greater understanding of issues and options, what’s required to balance everyone’s needs and what’s best for Christchurch. We’re also thinking about how we charge fair rates so residential providers contribute to Christchurch in a similar way to commercial accommodation providers.
It’s important anyone building, developing, selling or considering renting out a property is aware of the rules for different zones in the District Plan. A handy property search on our website lets you know what zone your property is in.
Residential properties in business zones or mixed-used zones can usually operate as short-term guest accommodation without resource consent.
People running traditional bed and breakfasts usually don’t require a resource consent under current rules, as long as they have no more than six guests at a time, the owner lives permanently on site, and no guest stays for more than 90 days in a row.
A residential property in most residential zones needs a resource consent for short-term paying guest accommodation unless it meets the standards for a bed and breakfast.
Depending on the situation, Building Act requirements may also mean a property needs upgrading before it is used for short-term accommodation. This is to ensure guest safety when it comes to things like smoke alarms and fire exits.
We investigate complaints about properties being used for short-term guest accommodation, for example from neighbours in the residential area who feel their peace and quiet is being affected. Each situation is different. We advise any property owner letting a whole house for short-term guest accommodation in a zone where it is not a permitted activity of the need for resource consent.
There’s more information on our website, you can also get in touch at 03 941 8999 with any questions or concerns.
E-newsletter article short version (200 words)
The massive growth of digital accommodation booking platforms such as Airbnb and Bookabach in the past few years is raising issues for cities around the globe, including Christchurch.
There are benefits to a growing mix of accommodation, but also some potential issues. Christchurch City Council is currently working to get a greater understanding of any issues and what’s required to balance everyone’s needs. We’re also thinking about the best ways to charge fair rates.
It’s important that anyone building, developing, selling or considering renting out a property is aware of the guest accommodation rules for different zones in the District Plan. People running traditional bed and breakfasts are usually fine without resource consent under current rules. Property owners letting a whole house for short-term paying guest accommodation in some zones, including most residential zones, may need a resource consent.
We investigate complaints about properties being used for short-term guest accommodation, for example from neighbours in the residential area who feel their peace and quiet is being affected.
A handy property search tool on our website lets you know what zone a property is in.
There’s more information on Council website, you can also get in touch via email
https://ccc.govt.nz/contact-us/contact-us-form with any questions or concerns.