Navigate Noosa's short-term rental laws with confidence. Everything you need to know about permits, zoning, compliance, and maximising your investment returns in Queensland's premier holiday destination.
Yes, but with strict requirements. Noosa Shire Council introduced comprehensive short-term rental regulations in 2022, making it one of Queensland's most regulated STR markets. Unlike many areas, Noosa requires council approval, annual permits, and adherence to detailed operational standards.
This isn't about preventing short-term rentals—it's about managing them professionally. Property investors who understand and comply with these regulations continue to achieve exceptional returns in Noosa's premium holiday market, often earning 40% more than long-term leases.
Important: This guide provides general information about Noosa's short-term rental regulations. It is not legal advice. Always consult with Noosa Shire Council directly or seek professional planning advice for your specific property and circumstances.
Entire property, no host present
Host lives on-site during stays
Confirm your property's zone allows short-term rentals. Low-density residential areas have strict limitations.
Gather site plan, floor plan showing bedrooms, proof of planning compliance, $10M public liability insurance, and pool safety certificate (if applicable).
Timeline: Allow 2-3 weeks to gather all documentation
Complete the appropriate form (Short Stay Letting or Home Hosted) and submit to Noosa Shire Council with payment.
Timeline: Council assessment typically takes 4-6 weeks
Once approved, display required signage (40cm x 50cm minimum) with your approval number and 24/7 hotline. Arrange your local contact person within 20km.
Begin accepting bookings. Remember to renew your permit annually and maintain compliance with all operational requirements.
Where you can legally operate matters just as much as having a permit. Noosa Plan 2020 dictates which zones support STRs.
Short-term rental use in Noosa is tightly regulated, but some zones are more suitable than others when the correct approvals and lawful use rights are in place.
Important: All eligible properties must still obtain and renew a Short Stay Letting approval under the Noosa Local Law and comply with operational conditions.
Many residential areas in Noosa are intentionally protected from full-time holiday letting to preserve housing supply and neighbourhood character.
Exceeding these limits typically triggers the need for full development approval and ongoing Local Law compliance.
Some short-term rental setups carry a high risk of non-compliance and enforcement action.
Outcome: Development approval is required and approval is uncertain, particularly in residential and rural zones.
If you own a property in a low-density residential zone (typical suburban area), you can legally rent it short-term if it's your principal place of residence and you only rent it occasionally:
Buy in areas zoned for tourism or high-density. Examples: Hastings Street apartments, Noosa Heads beachfront units.
Live on-site or install a caretaker. Allowed in all residential zones with simpler approval process.
Properties lawfully operating before July 2020 may have grandfathered rights—verify before purchasing.
Noosa's Code of Conduct and operational standards ensure STRs operate professionally and respect neighbourhood amenity.
Mandatory requirement. Must respond within 30 minutes, be within 20km of the property, and be available at all times.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
$806 fine for failing to respond to a complaint. Multiple breaches can result in permit cancellation.
Solution for Investors
Engage a professional property manager who provides 24/7 support as part of their service.
Display a weatherproof sign (minimum 0.2m²) at the property's front, visible to the public.
Estimated cost: $50-$150 for professional weatherproof signage.
Must be displayed inside the property and provided to all guests. Non-negotiable behavioural standards:
No excessive noise or disruptive behaviour. Respect quiet hours and neighbour amenity at all times.
Events, parties, and large gatherings prohibited. Queensland law explicitly bans "party house" use.
Use on-site parking only. No street overflow or blocking neighbour driveways.
Understanding the complete financial picture helps you budget accurately and maximise ROI.
Full-time holiday house (one-off fee)
Weatherproof professional sign
If property has pool/spa (one-off)
Smoke alarm upgrade/certification
Site plans, floor plans, reports (if needed)
Annual renewal from July each year
$10M coverage (average annual premium)
Professional management (% of revenue)
Difference vs residential rate (approx)
Plus 18% management fee on revenue
On a property generating $100,000 annually, total compliance costs (excluding management) represent approximately $2,000—just 2% of revenue. Factor in professional management at 18%, and you're still retaining 80% of gross income before operating expenses.
Compare to long-term leasing: A property earning $100,000/year short-term would typically generate only $60,000-$70,000 long-term. Even with Noosa's compliance costs, the STR premium is 40%+ higher income.
Smart investors view compliance as the cost of accessing premium returns in Australia's most desirable holiday market.
Noosa Shire has distinct regulations from the broader Sunshine Coast Regional Council area. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right investment location.
| Regulation Aspect | Noosa Shire Council | Sunshine Coast Regional |
|---|---|---|
| STR Permit Required |
REQUIRED
One-off approval + annual renewals
|
NOT REQUIRED
No local permit system (yet)
|
| Initial Fees |
$1,387 (house)
$414 (unit), $309 (hosted)
|
$0
No local fees currently
|
| Annual Renewal |
$600/year (house)
$200 (unit), $150 (hosted)
|
None
No renewal system
|
| Low-Density Zoning |
Highly restricted
Max 4 periods/60 days as principal residence OR home-hosted OR development approval
|
Not supported
Technically prohibited but enforcement is reactive/complaint-driven
|
| 24/7 Contact Person |
Mandatory
Within 20km, 30-minute response time, $806 fine for non-compliance
|
Not required
No specific STR contact rules (yet). Draft scheme proposes this requirement
|
| Signage Display |
Required
40x50cm min, shows approval number & hotline
|
Not required
No signage obligations currently
|
| Code of Conduct |
Mandatory display
Detailed rules for guests, must be visible in property
|
Not specified
No formal STR code of conduct (yet)
|
| Complaint Hotline |
24/7 dedicated hotline
Immediate contact to property manager, tracked response times
|
General council line
Standard complaint process, police for noise
|
| Future Changes |
Tightening enforcement
More audits, potential higher fees for large properties, state registry integration
|
New planning scheme 2025-26
Will introduce STR code with contact requirements, possible registration
|
While Sunshine Coast Regional Council doesn't currently require STR permits, regulations are tightening. The new planning scheme (expected 2025-26) will introduce formal STR controls including 24/7 contact requirements and operational standards similar to Noosa's.
Smart investors are preparing now by implementing best practices voluntarily—establishing local contacts, maintaining guest codes of conduct, and ensuring zoning compliance. This positions you ahead of regulatory changes.
Navigating Noosa's regulations doesn't have to be complex. Lane Property manages 200+ properties across Queensland, handling every aspect of compliance so you can focus on returns.
Comprehensive guide covering Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast regulations
Detailed breakdown of managing STRs across the broader Sunshine Coast region
Behind the scenes of professional short-term rental management
Professional styling and furnishing packages for maximum guest appeal
Practical advice for self-managing hosts who want to handle compliance themselves
Turnover cleaning standards that maintain 5-star guest reviews
Savvy investors aren't fighting the regulations—they're using them as competitive advantages.
Buy in zones where short-term rentals are welcomed, not restricted. Target:
Compliance is complex, but expert managers handle it seamlessly:
For properties in restricted zones, hosting while resident unlocks easier approval:
Prevention beats resolution. Communicate rules proactively:
Modern tools help maintain compliance automatically:
Community relations prevent complaints before they start:
Noosa's caps push you toward higher-value guests:
While regulations create barriers to entry, they also protect established operators. With 330+ properties returning to long-term rental since 2022, approved STRs face less competition and command higher rates. Compliance isn't just about avoiding fines—it's a sustainable competitive advantage.
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