Short-term rentals in South Africa: Department of Tourism publishes Draft Code of Good Practice
16 March 2026 | Nicole Nel
The South African Department of Tourism released a proposed Code of Good Practice for Short-Term Rentals (STRs) within the Tourism sector, on Friday 13 March 2026.
This non-binding Code of Good Practice (“the Code”) seeks to provide guidance on STRs operations as an interim measure pending the amendment of the Tourism Act 3 of 2014. Members of the public will have 60 days, from 13 March 2026, to make public comment.
What does the Code cover?
1. Background and introduction
The Code acknowledges the growing presence of STRs within South Africa's tourism landscape and the need for a balanced regulatory approach. It notes that while the department is working on a broader legislative review of the Tourism Act 3 of 2014, this Code serves as an interim framework to support sustainable tourism growth, social inclusion, and the strengthening of local economies.
2. Purpose and scope of the Code
This Code outlines the principles that STRs industry participants should follow in the course of their interactions. Participants include (but is not limited to):
- hosts or designated persons;
- guests;
- visitors;
- platforms, and
- accommodation facilitators.
3. Objects of the Code
The objects of the Code are to apply the objects of the Tourism Act Act No. 3 of 2014 within the context of the tourism STRs sub-sector, promoting responsible tourism practices, consumer protection, and the sustainable development of the STRs industry.
4. General responsibilities
This section sets out responsibilities applicable to all STR industry participants.
These include:
acting lawfully, honestly, and in good faith;
ensuring that all information provided to industry participants is accurate and not misleading, and
complying with all applicable laws, regulations, municipal bylaws, and property-related instruments.
The Code specifically references legislation relating to tourism, consumer protection, rental housing, taxation, personal information, property law, planning and land use, community and sectional title schemes, eviction, equality, and constitutional principles.
5. Guidelines for responsible hosting
Hosts and designated persons are expected to act ethically within the STR ecosystem.
Key responsibilities include:
informing guests of applicable bylaws;
body corporate rules;
community-specific norms around noise, refuse, parking;
the use of communal areas;
maintaining the property to health and safety standards;
complying with all applicable tax obligations including income tax, VAT, and tourism levies;
maintaining appropriate liability insurance covering injury, death, or property damage;
ensuring a responsible contact person is available to address guest and neighbourhood concerns, and
promoting fair working conditions among staff and contractors.
6. Guidelines for responsible guest behaviour
Guests are expected to comply with all applicable laws and rules, including local bylaws, body corporate rules, Homeowners’ Association (HOA) rules, and community norms as communicated by the host.
They must avoid conduct that creates excessive noise, nuisance, or disturbance to neighbours; refrain from using the property for unlawful or unauthorised purposes, including subletting, hosting unregistered events, or storing illegal goods; and vacate the property at the agreed check-out time, returning it in substantially the same condition as found.
7. Guidelines for responsible STRs Facilitation by platforms
Online platforms and accommodation facilitators are expected to inform hosts of this Code when listing properties; ensure the Code is available on their website or app; provide hosts with guest contact and identity data to enhance safety; support hosts with tools and resources for communicating relevant information to guests; assist with post-checkout conflict resolution; notify hosts or guests of complaints received; ensure safe handling of personal data; and share information on the economic contributions of the STR sub-sector where available.
8. Health and safety
Hosts and guests should strive to implement good practices to support safety and well-being for all involved. Hosts are expected to understand and practice occupational health and safety requirements, including installing smoke detectors, providing fire safety information, maintaining a first aid kit, and ensuring the property does not exceed its advertised maximum occupancy limit.
Relevance to sectional title and HOA community schemes
The Code specifically acknowledges that STRs activities must comply with the relevant community scheme, sectional title scheme, and HOA rules.
This reinforces what trustees and directors already know, namely that owners who operate STRs within a scheme remain bound by the scheme's rules and that regulate and govern the property.
The Code does not override or supersede those rules. It operates alongside them.
For schemes at mixed-use developments, holiday estates, and resort-style communities, this Code is particularly relevant as it creates a national framework of expected behaviour that aligns with and supports the enforcement of scheme rules.
How and where to submit your comments
Members of the public have 60 days from 13 March 2026 to submit written comments.
The deadline is therefore 12 May 2026.
Submissions should be forwarded in writing to the Department of Tourism, for attention Mr Senzo Nkala, in one of three ways:
By post: Department of Tourism, for attention Mr Senzo Nkala, Private Bag X424, Pretoria, 0001
By hand: Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001
By email: STRCodesofConduct@tourism.gov.za
Members of the public may also reach out to Mr Senzo Nkala for telephonic enquiries at 012 444 6316.
Should you require any more information regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to contact us today on 061 536 3138 or at info@tvdmconsultants.com
About the Author:
Nicole Nel is a Senior Community Schemes Consultant at TVDM Consultants.