Rise in 'dodgy' holiday rentals

ACCOMMODATION operators are facing tough competition from a rise in the number of unlicensed holiday homes on offer in Tasmania.

Tourism groups warn that shacks and suburban homes not officially registered and operated as commercial businesses are being leased to tourists through several websites.

They say these holiday homes are threatening the reputation of Tasmania's tourism industry and question if they meet basic insurance and hygiene standards.

Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Ben Targett said the proliferation of unregulated holiday homes was "cannibalising" the accommodation industry, taking business from professional and licensed operators.

He said there was no way of knowing if privately leased holiday venues were meeting basic industry standards.

"It leads to the potential for visitors to have inconsistent experiences, which is not good for the industry," he said.

Residential homes in Hobart suburbs such as Moonah are being listed on holiday sites for about $150 a night, while shacks in tourist hot spots, such as Bicheno, are offered for about $250 a night.

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said there was a growing number of privately owned properties being leased as commercial tourism venues.

"They're not licensed to do that and they're not properly zoned that way [with local councils]," he said.

"It's blatantly breaking the law, it's frustrating.

"The problem we have is not about competition [with licensed venues], it's about standards."

Mr Martin said the industry council had received complaints from tourists about properties that turned out to be unlicensed holiday homes.

"In that case, there's nothing we can do," he said.

"You also wonder about public liability insurance and if you hurt yourself and something happens, are they properly covered.

"For a consumer, you don't have that peace of mind."

Mr Martin urged people to thoroughly check out properties online and read reviews from other travellers to filter out dodgy properties.

hannah.martin@news.com.au

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