Byron’s proposed 60-day Airbnb cap unlikely to come into effect until next year despite housing crisis

Byron Shire council is waiting for the NSW government to formally respond to independent planning advice that advocated for a 60-day annual cap on short-term rentals. Photograph: Russell Mountford/Alamy

Byron Shire council’s planned 60-day cap on short-term rentals such as Airbnbs to ease pressure on the housing market would not come into effect until the middle of next year if the government decides to allow it, the holiday hotspot’s mayor says.

And if the tightened rules are approved by the New South Wales government, they will just apply to Byron and not other councils also struggling with housing amid a statewide shortage.