Victoria's Short Stay Levy: What Hosts Need to Know
What the levy is, which stays it applies to, who pays it and the main exemptions.
Since 1 January 2025, Victoria has charged a short stay levy on many short-term rental bookings. Here's a plain-English summary based on the State Revenue Office (SRO). Rules can change, so check the SRO website for the current position.
The rate and what it's charged on
The SRO says the levy is 7.5% of the total booking fees paid, including things like cleaning fees and GST where it applies, but not credit card fees.
Which stays it applies to
Stays of less than 28 consecutive days in Victorian properties where a fee is charged. That includes:
- entire houses and apartments;
- private rooms in a house that isn't anyone's main home;
- granny flats and other separate residences, even on the same land as a main home;
- tiny homes on land.
Who pays it
If the booking is made through a platform such as Airbnb or Stayz, the platform is liable. If you take a booking directly, without a platform, the property owner or tenant is liable and needs to register and lodge with the SRO.
Main exemptions
- Stays in a property that is someone's principal place of residence (for example, guests staying in your home while you're away).
- Stays of 28 days or more.
- Hotels, motels and similar accommodation.
What it means for your pricing
Because the levy applies to the total booking fee, including the cleaning fee, it's worth reviewing how you split nightly rates and cleaning fees. See how to set your cleaning fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Victoria's short stay levy?
The State Revenue Office says it is 7.5% of total booking fees, including cleaning fees and GST where applicable, excluding credit card fees.
Do I pay the levy if I book through Airbnb?
When a booking is made through a platform, the SRO says the platform is liable. If you take bookings directly, you are.
Is my own home exempt if I rent it out while I travel?
Stays in a property that is someone's principal place of residence are exempt, according to the SRO.
Running a short-stay? We time changeovers to your booking dates and supply linen.
Plan your changeoversSource: State Revenue Office Victoria, Short stay levy applies from 1 January 2025 (sro.vic.gov.au), checked October 2026. General information, not tax advice; confirm your obligations with the SRO.