South Africa Proposes Code of Conduct for Short-Term Rentals
South Africa's Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has gazetted a Draft Code of Good Practice for public comment, aimed at providing interim guidance for the country's fast-growing short-term rental (STR) sector, including platforms such as Airbnb. Issued under Chapter 2 of the Tourism Act 3 of 2014, the code seeks to promote responsible conduct within the STR market while the government undertakes a broader review of tourism legislation. Stakeholders, industry bodies and members of the public have 60 days to submit written comments, with a deadline of 12 May 2026.
The move comes as short-term rentals have become an increasingly significant part of South Africa's accommodation landscape, raising policy questions around zoning, safety standards, neighbourhood impacts and fair competition with established hospitality businesses. As the Tourism Act does not grant the minister direct regulatory authority over STRs - with oversight largely falling under municipal jurisdiction - the code is designed as a transitional measure rather than binding regulation. Municipalities may adopt it as a guiding framework for local planning decisions. The Department of Tourism is simultaneously reviewing the Tourism Act following Cabinet's approval of the 2024 White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa, with STR governance identified as a key policy gap to be addressed through that process.
Source: IOL News
