ONE Mandurah resident believes communication from both owners and the Council is key in dealing with the issue of short-term rental properties.
Rhonda Griechen has lived near some of Mandurah’s holiday rentals since moving to the area six years ago and has experienced overcrowding and disturbances on her street because of it.
The issue was raised in last week’s council meeting in response to the Draft Mandurah Planning Scheme which is to replace the outdated Town Planning Scheme.
By definition a holiday home could be occupied by six or less people and for Ms Griechen, this is where the problem begins.
“The main thing we should do is regulate it,” she said.
“It can only be a benefit.”
A City of Mandurah spokesperson said the council was currently discussing ways to address issues around holiday homes in the interim period before a new planning scheme is implemented.
When Ms Griechen moved to her home late last year, she initially had brawls in her street and other issues from the three holiday rentals nearby.
Since contacting the owners of the three homes, she said there has been an improvement.
Ms Griechen said she now calls the owners who deal with any issues immediately.
“The owner now has a code of conduct which helps with rubbish and noise,” Ms Griechen said.
“The holiday makers know that if something happens they will lose their bond.
“They’ve also stopped taking deposits online so they can see who will stay there.”
The City of Mandurah spokesperson said a holiday home register could be looked at as a suitable temporary approach.
