In its ongoing commitment to promote responsible short-term rental activities (STRA) in Malaysia, Airbnb has unveiled its Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive resources for strata hosts, property managers, joint management bodies (JMB), management corporations (MC), and developers to manage short-term rentals responsibly in apartment buildings and condominiums.
Comprehensive Toolkit for Responsible Hosting
According to a press statement issued on Thursday, the guide offers a toolkit of resources designed to support responsible short-term rental operations in strata properties. This includes Airbnb’s recommended Code of Conduct for STRA, which outlines the responsibilities and common courtesies of hosts and guests in multiple languages. Additionally, the guide features resources like Airbnb’s Neighbourhood Support Line, allowing users to flag urgent concerns about nearby listings directly with Airbnb.
Legal Partnership for Reference By-Laws
Airbnb partnered with legal firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co (in association with KPMG law) to develop reference building by-laws. These by-laws aim to equip condominiums and apartment buildings with suggestions to ease the management of their STRA activities. Serving as a reference point for hosts, residents, and building management, these by-laws help establish a clear framework for short-term rental activities, including procedures for addressing potential breaches.
Alignment with Strata Management Act 2013
The implementation of these by-laws draws on the existing Strata Management Act 2013 (SMA 2013), which empowers JMBs and MCs to implement rules to effectively manage day-to-day operations in their buildings. Mohamad Izahar Mohamad Izham, partner and head of the corporate and government advisory department at Zaid Ibrahim & Co, highlighted the significance of these by-laws in preserving the autonomy of JMBs and MCs while providing best practice guidance for all stakeholders involved.
Enhancing Travel and Tourism
Mich Goh, Airbnb’s head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, emphasized that the Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings is designed to ensure a positive experience for hosts, guests, and neighbors. With renewed enthusiasm for travel among local and international tourists, STRA is expected to continue driving tourism growth in Malaysia.
Economic Impact of Airbnb in Malaysia
Citing a recent study by Oxford Economics, Airbnb reported that its guests spent approximately RM7 billion in Malaysia in 2022 across various industry sectors, including restaurants, retail stores, and transportation. Airbnb’s activities contributed over RM5 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supported nearly 57,000 jobs, accounting for approximately 4.9% of the tourism industry’s contribution to GDP in 2022.
Commitment to Community Safety
The introduction of the Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings is part of Airbnb’s broader efforts to encourage and support community safety. Last year, Airbnb engaged with PLANMalaysia to share industry inputs and global best practices on national STRA guidelines, aiming to create a fair and transparent regulatory framework. Globally, Airbnb has also launched enhanced reservation screening technology to reduce the risk of disruptive incidents and introduced a party ban policy.
Conclusion
Airbnb’s Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings is a significant step towards promoting safe and responsible short-term rental practices in Malaysia. By providing comprehensive resources and partnering with legal experts, Airbnb aims to support hosts, property managers, and community stakeholders in managing short-term rentals effectively. As STRA continues to drive tourism growth, these efforts will ensure that short-term rentals remain a positive and sustainable part of Malaysia’s hospitality landscape.
