The New Zealand Greens have announced plans to grant local councils authority to impose a bed levy on short-term rental properties, including Airbnbs. The policy would also enable councils to apply higher levy rates specifically to Airbnbs.
The proposal aims to generate additional revenue for local governments while addressing concerns over the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability. The Greens intend to establish a national register to track all short-term rental properties, ensuring transparency and compliance.
This initiative follows growing public pressure over the rise of short-term rentals and their effect on residential housing markets. Local governments have increasingly sought ways to regulate the sector, citing issues such as neighborhood disruption and reduced long-term housing stock. The Greens’ plan would empower councils to tailor their approaches based on local needs and conditions.
