Understand the latest Gold Coast short-term rental rules, zoning laws, and Airbnb regulations to ensure your property stays compliant and profitable.
The Gold Coast isn’t just a holiday hotspot, it’s one of Australia’s most Airbnb-friendly regions for smart property owners. With its stunning beaches, packed events calendar, and constant stream of tourists, it’s no surprise short-term rentals are booming.
Whether you’re near the glitter strip in Surfers Paradise or tucked into a leafy Burleigh street, demand for flexible, self-contained stays is high — and not just from tourists. Business travellers, digital nomads, and families looking for weekend escapes all favour short-stay options over traditional hotels.
This is why more and more property owners, from first-time investors to downsizers, are turning to short-term rentals as a smarter way to earn. And with a little upfront setup and guidance, it’s easier than most people think.
Not every stay is the same and understanding what’s considered a “short-term rental” on the Gold Coast helps you stay on the right side of the rules while unlocking the full earning potential of your property.
In simple terms, a short-term rental is any stay that lasts for less than three months. Most Airbnb bookings fall well within this range — think weekend getaways, week-long holidays, or month-long business trips.
The good news? No matter which type suits your property, there’s a path forward. Some types require more paperwork than others, but most owners find that once their setup is sorted, running a short-stay rental is smooth sailing.
One of the best things about hosting on the Gold Coast? The local approach to short-term rentals is generally quite relaxed — especially when you compare it to other major cities.
With tourism being such a major part of the local economy, the council understands that short-stay accommodation plays a big role in welcoming visitors. In most cases, if your property isn’t causing issues for neighbours, you’ll find that hosting is not only allowed — it’s encouraged.
Most importantly, the Gold Coast City Council doesn’t go out looking for compliant hosts to penalise. Issues typically only arise if neighbours complain about parties, parking, or disruption — all of which are avoidable with the right systems in place.
Bottom line: If you’re managing your Airbnb properly and being a good neighbour, there’s a very good chance you’re already in a position to host — or just one or two steps away.
Not all suburbs are created equal when it comes to short-term rentals — and on the Gold Coast, the location of your property can make a big difference to both your earnings and your setup experience.
The good news? The Gold Coast has plenty of areas where Airbnb is not only accepted but thrives.
The heart of the Gold Coast tourism scene. High-rise apartments, walkable to the beach, restaurants, and nightlife. Many buildings are used almost exclusively for short stays, making it a no-brainer for investors and hosts alike.
Slightly more relaxed than Surfers but still buzzing with demand. Great for families and conference attendees. Many apartments here are designed with short-stay use in mind.
Known for its beachy lifestyle, food scene, and surf culture. A top pick for guests wanting something more laid-back. Both homes and apartments here do well, especially near the headland or James Street.
Emerging hotspots for coastal escapes. Houses and duplexes do well here — perfect for weekenders and family holidays.
Appeals to a mix of corporate, medical, and student guests due to its proximity to the hospital and Griffith University. Strong weekday occupancy potential.
Higher-end waterfront stays — great for larger homes, golf tourism, and longer bookings.
If your property is in or near any of the suburbs above, chances are it’s already in high demand. And if you’re scouting a new investment, these areas consistently deliver strong returns and a smooth setup experience.
Setting up your property for short-term rentals on the Gold Coast is more straightforward than many people expect. When it comes to safety and insurance, most of the requirements are common-sense and easy to meet — especially if your home or apartment is already well-maintained.
If your place is clean, secure, and guest-ready, you’re already well on your way.
You don’t need anything fancy — just a safe, functional space that meets basic expectations.
While Airbnb offers some coverage through its Host Guarantee and liability protection, this doesn’t replace proper insurance. Most experienced hosts take out an insurance policy tailored to short-term rentals.
Look for coverage that includes:
Several Australian insurers now offer Airbnb-specific policies, which means you can get exactly what you need — no more, no less.
If you tick off these few things from the start, you’ll avoid 99% of the problems hosts run into. It’s about building trust and being prepared — and it doesn’t take much.
If you’re in an apartment or townhouse complex on the Gold Coast, one of the most common questions is: “Can my body corporate stop me from hosting on Airbnb?”
The short answer is: not usually — but it depends on your building.
While Gold Coast City Council tends to support short-term rentals overall, some individual buildings have their own by-laws that may restrict or regulate short stays. These rules are managed by your body corporate (also known as the owners corporation or strata committee).
Here’s what you should know:
In small or quiet complexes, neighbours may be more sensitive to guest activity — so it’s worth being proactive about communication, setting expectations with guests, and following house rules.
Most of the time, issues arise not because someone’s hosting — but because guests weren’t well-managed. A professional setup and clear communication can go a long way in keeping everyone happy.
The Gold Coast is generally supportive of Airbnb and short-term stays, but like any popular destination, there are rules in place to protect the community — and ignoring them can cause headaches.
That said, most issues happen only when a property starts affecting neighbours. If your place is managed well, the chances of running into problems are low.
In nearly all cases where council steps in, it’s because someone nearby has made a complaint — often about noise, parties, or poor guest behaviour. From there, the council may investigate and request that the owner show evidence of how the property is being used.
For hosts who’ve set up properly, this process is usually straightforward. But for those operating without a plan, it can lead to stress, fines, or the need to pause bookings until the situation is resolved.
In most cases, they’ll ask for information about how the property is being used and whether it meets local requirements. If you’re hosting responsibly and your setup is solid, you’ll usually just need to provide confirmation or make small adjustments.
At the end of the day, the council isn’t trying to stop short-term rentals — they’re trying to stop poorly managed ones. Hosts who take their role seriously, even if they’re just starting out, rarely run into trouble.
Hosting a short-term rental on the Gold Coast doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, most successful hosts follow just a handful of simple steps to stay compliant, protect their property, and keep guests happy.
Here’s a straightforward approach that works — whether you’re managing things yourself or using a professional property manager.
Answering these questions helps you understand what (if any) permissions or checks are worth doing before you list.
Once this is done, you’re ready to go — and any future questions from council or neighbours are much easier to respond to.
These tools don’t just keep you compliant — they make the experience smoother for everyone involved.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. A professional short-stay property manager can guide you through setup, handle guest communications, and stay on top of any local changes in regulations.
When the basics are covered, compliance becomes just another part of running a high-performing Airbnb — not a headache. And the earlier you get it right, the more confident you’ll feel as a host.
Short-term rental hosting on the Gold Coast isn’t just a way to earn extra income — it’s a real opportunity to create a flexible, high-performing investment that works on your terms.
Yes, there are a few rules to follow. But once you’ve set things up properly, the benefits speak for themselves:
Many properties earn significantly more through short-term stays than they would through traditional long-term leases — especially in high-demand suburbs or during major events.
You’re in control of the calendar. Whether you want to block dates for family use, pause for maintenance, or adjust pricing to match demand — you’re never locked in.
With regular cleans between stays and guests using the space for only short periods, properties are often maintained to a higher standard than long-term rentals.
When you follow the right steps early on — setting house rules, securing the right insurance, and knowing your local requirements — you protect yourself from costly surprises down the track.
Properties with a track record of strong Airbnb performance can be more appealing to future buyers or investors — particularly if the setup is professionally managed and council-compliant.
Getting started might feel like a lot, but once you're up and running, it becomes a rhythm. And if you partner with someone who knows the Gold Coast market, the setup becomes even easier — and your returns even better.
There’s a reason so many property owners here are turning to short-term rentals. It works — especially when it’s done right.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your short-term rental setup, here are answers to the most common questions we hear from property owners across the Gold Coast.
In many cases, yes — especially if your building has a history of short-term letting. If your property is in a high-tourism suburb like Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, there’s a good chance other units are already hosting. Just check your building’s by-laws first if you’re in a complex.
It depends on how your property is set up. If it's already been used for short-term stays or fits within what the council allows, you may not need to apply for anything extra. Hosted stays or owner-occupied rentals are generally more straightforward. If you’re unsure, getting advice from someone with local experience can help.
Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Southport, and Palm Beach are all strong performers. These areas have high guest demand and a mix of apartment and house options, making them ideal for short-term rentals.
Body corporates can’t ban short-term rentals outright unless it’s written into the building’s legal by-laws — and even then, the rules must comply with state regulations. Most issues come from guest behaviour, not the concept of Airbnb itself. If you’re managing the place well, you’re unlikely to face pushback.
This varies depending on whether your property needs approval, what kind of insurance you choose, and whether you’re setting it up yourself or working with a manager. For most owners, it’s a one-off cost to get compliant and guest-ready — and the returns usually cover it quickly.
Some properties may require a short-stay permit or local registration, depending on how they’re used. This is typically a quick process and can be handled as part of your setup. In many cases, especially for hosted stays or previously-used short-stay properties, no licence is required.
Discover how to boost income and simplify property management with expert tips.
Contact Us