The Department of Tourism has released a draft Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals, open for comment until 12 May 2026. While not binding, it is an important policy signal and should be read as an indication of where regulation is heading.  Issued under the Tourism Act 2014 South Africa, the Code is intended to guide conduct in the short-term rental (STR) space. It does not yet create enforceable obligations, but it clearly sets out the framework that future regulation is likely to follow.

The focus is quite specific. The Code targets residential property used for short-term letting, together with the platforms—digital and otherwise—that advertise or facilitate those bookings. It is therefore primarily aimed at the platform-driven, Airbnb-type environment rather than traditional hospitality. The substance of the Code sits with the host, or designated person responsible for the property. There is a clear expectation that hosts take responsibility for how these properties operate. This includes informing guests of bylaws and scheme rules, managing behaviour and neighbourhood impact, ensuring listings are accurate, complying with tax obligations, and maintaining appropriate safety measures and insurance. While much of this may seem obvious, it reflects a shift toward treating short-term letting as a regulated activity rather than an informal one.

Guests are also expected to comply with rules and respect the surrounding community, which speaks to ongoing concerns around disturbance and misuse in residential environments. A notable feature of the Code is its treatment of platforms. They are no longer viewed as passive intermediaries. Instead, they are expected to inform hosts of the Code, facilitate communication and dispute resolution, and, more controversially, assist government with information relating to hosts and share economic data on the sector, within the bounds of data protection laws.
Health and safety requirements are included, but in relatively soft terms. Hosts are expected to “strive to” implement basic measures such as fire safety equipment, first aid kits and occupancy limits. These are not yet prescriptive, but they establish a baseline expectation.

For the vacation ownership sector, the direct impact appears limited, as the Code is aimed at residential short-term letting. However, where inventory is made available to the public on a short-term basis or distributed via platforms, there is some overlap in substance. It would therefore be prudent for members to review the Code and consider its potential implications.

The broader point is that this is not simply a guideline document. It reflects a clear policy direction to bring greater structure and accountability to the short-term rental space. Over time, what is currently framed as guidance is likely to become enforceable.

VOASA will continue to monitor developments and engage as the process evolves.