BYRON BAY property manager Mark MacIntyre says it’s only a matter of time before the Australian Tax Office subpoenas Airbnb’s accounts, then audits Byron Bay owners of Airbnb listings.
The Byron Bay Beachfront Apartments manager says all Airbnb bookings go through Airbnb first, after which payments are made to members shortly after their tenants book out.
Once the ATO gets Airbnb’s records, all Byron Bay property owners on Airbnb’s books can expect a tax audit.
Mark also says the permanent rental market in Byron Bay has been shattered by Airbnb property.
“It’s impossible for a family to only rent a property for 10 months of the year, then get turfed out over the December/January holiday period.”
But that’s not the only problem with Airbnb.
“Airbnb properties are often incredibly sub-standard,” says Mark.
“One night last week we had a couple with a small baby turn up at 11 pm, desperately seeking a room.”
The couple told Mark they had booked into an Airbnb letting, only to find it was mouldy, it stunk and was filthy, and the sink outlet was just a piece of pipe sticking through the wall and running out onto the grass outside.
Mark says all rental properties of any type should confirm to a Council Health standards, and be inspected regularly.