Does the 180-day cap apply to my property in Redfern?

If the property is used as non-hosted short-term rental accommodation in Greater Sydney, the 180-day cap will generally apply. Owners should check the property’s registration, use, strata rules and current NSW requirements before listing.

Do 21-day bookings count toward the cap?

Bookings of 21 consecutive days or more are treated differently and may not count toward the 180-day limit. This is why mid-term executive or relocation stays can be useful for some landlords.

Can my strata building ban short-term rentals?

Strata schemes may have by-laws that restrict short-term rental accommodation in certain circumstances, especially where the property is not the owner’s principal place of residence. Owners should review their building’s by-laws before listing.

Is short-term rental still worth it in Sydney in 2026?

It depends on the property. A well-located, furnished apartment near transport or employment hubs may still perform well. However, after cleaning, furnishing, wear, vacancy, management and compliance are considered, a long-term lease may be better for some owners.

Which suburbs suit short-term or mid-term stays?

Surry Hills, Redfern, Darlinghurst and Potts Point can all work because they offer strong transport, lifestyle and employment access. The best fit depends on the specific property and target guest or tenant.

What is the biggest mistake landlords make?

The biggest mistake is chasing short-term income without checking compliance, strata rules, net return and long-term asset impact. Gross income is only useful if the strategy is legal, manageable and profitable after costs.

Should I switch from Airbnb to a long-term tenant?

If your property is difficult to manage, restricted by strata, underperforming after costs or creating compliance risk, a long-term lease may be the better option. A proper appraisal can compare both models

The 180-Day Cap: Navigating Sydney’s Short-Term Rental Maze in 2026

Sydney landlord guide to the 180-day short-term rental cap, 21-day stays, hosted rules, Metro demand and 2026 leasing strategy.