South Africa | Proposing a Draft Code of Good Practices for Short - Term Rentals

South Africa Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has released a draft code of Good Practices for short - rentals (STRs) such as Airbnb, for public comment by 12 May 2026. 

This non - binding framework aims to foster responsible hosting, safety, and compliance with municipal bylaws, serving as an interim guide before proposed, tigher regulations and potential law changes. 

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. 

The move comes as short - rentals have become an increasingly significant part of South Africa’s accommodation landscape, raising policy operations around zoning, safety standards, neighbourhood impacts and fair competition with established hospitality businesses. 

Stakeholders, industry bodies and members of the public have 60 days to submit written comments, with a deadline of 12 May 2026.

As the Tourism Act does not grant the minister regulatory authority over STRs, with oversight largely falling under municipal jurisdiction, the code is designed as a transitional measure rather than birding 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. 

Key details of the proposed draft code include: 

•    Target Audience: The code applies to hosts, digital platforms, and guests. 
•    Key Requirements for Hosts: Hosts must ensure compliance with existing municipal bylaws, safety standards like smoke detectors, and ensure proper insurance. 
•    Community Standards: Guidelines require informing guests of noise resttrictions, parking rules, and body corporate policies. 
•    Data and Taxation: The draft suggest platforms share user data on occupancy and “economic contributions,” which may lead to tighter tax compliance. 
•    Municipal Action: The code supports, in part, existing moves by cities to classify frequently rented homes as commercial properties, which could increase rates and taxes. 

The initiative aims to address the rapid growth of the sharing economy while balancing it with the traditiona hospitality sector. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback before the upcoming deadline. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/south-africa-proposes-code-of-conduct-for-short-term-rentals.html