Airbnb Help Centre: Understanding the New Levy in Melbourne Regulations

Airbnb Regulations in Melbourne: What You Need to Know for your Short-Stay Accommodation in 2025

If you're an Australian property owner, chances are you're familiar with the convenience of lockboxes or key safes. They were an easy way to allow access to your property without having to be physically present. However, if you're considering using lock boxes in public spaces, it's important to be aware of the regulations surrounding their use, and you should look out for local laws. If you're a property owner in Melbourne, chances are you're familiar with the convenience of lockboxes or key safes.

They were an easy way to allow access to your short-term rental accommodation without having to be physically present. This is of course also applicable for long-term rentals. However, if you're considering using lock boxes in public spaces, it's important to be aware of the regulations surrounding their use.

The placement of lockboxes in public areas is governed by local council regulations and planning laws. Before installing a lockbox, you should check with your local council to determine if you need a permit or if there are specific guidelines regarding their size, appearance, and placement. Unauthorized installation of lockboxes can lead to fines or the removal of the box by council authorities.

Is it legal to use lockboxes for your Airbnb Short-Term Rentals in Melbourne?

It is illegal to attach lockboxes to council infrastructure in Melbourne. This is because they can impede access to services, cause property damage, or obstruct genuine use of the structure. As such, the City of Melbourne is asking all owners of these lock boxes to remove them immediately and to not use them for their short stay rentals.

What to do if you have a lockbox in Melbourne right now?

If you have a lockbox attached to council infrastructure, you should remove it as soon as possible to avoid any potential fines or penalties. Any removed lockboxes will be stored for two weeks, after which they will be destroyed. If you're the owner of a lockbox that has been removed, you can claim your property by contacting the City of Melbourne and making an appointment time. Proof of ownership will be required

Regulations in Melbourne for Airbnb hosts: Can I attach a lockbox to a bike stand or an unused bike?

While it may be tempting to attach lockboxes to disused bikes and lock them to infrastructure to give access to your rental properties, this is also not permitted under the City of Melbourne Council regulations. This can cause property damage for your short term rental, and is considered an obstruction to the genuine use of the structure.

It's also worth noting that lock boxes can be vulnerable to break-ins and thefts, especially if they are attached to public infrastructure. Criminals can target lockboxes to gain access to properties, which can lead to costly damages or theft. To mitigate these risks, it's essential to implement security measures that enhance the protection of lockboxes. This can include using high-quality materials that are resistant to tampering, incorporating advanced locking mechanisms, and positioning the boxes in less conspicuous locations. Additionally, property owners and managers can consider installing surveillance cameras or motion-detection lights nearby to deter potential thieves.

Regular maintenance and inspections of lock boxes can also help identify any vulnerabilities or signs of wear that could compromise their security. Educating employees or anyone who has access to the lock boxes about the importance of securing them properly can further reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Ultimately, while lock boxes provide convenience for property access, balancing accessibility with security is crucial to safeguarding both the property and its contents. Taking proactive steps to enhance security can help protect against theft and ensure that lock boxes serve their intended purpose without becoming a liability.

Are lockboxes the best choice for apartment and short-stay rental key storage, are they short-term rental regulations compliant?

Lockboxes not only violate Melbourne's laws but also may not offer the same level of security and functionality as newer alternatives. Lockboxes do not offer the same level of control as smartlocks or key exchange services, as hosts will not be able to monitor who can access their properties, which can be a major security concern. Lockboxes do not provide the host with live key tracking, which can lead to the next guest attempting to collect the key only to find it has not been returned yet.

If you're an Airbnb host and are looking for solutions for your short-term accommodation and stayz, it's crucial to be aware of the regulations concerning lockboxes. While they can be a convenient way to provide access to your guests, it's important to ensure that they are used legally and responsibly.

What is a secure, respectful of Airbnb regulations and transparent alternative to lock boxes in Melbourne, for key storage and exchange?

The Rental Market is expanding rapidly and with it, new regulations, with rules that apply to local residents and property owners. Therefore it is possible to ask yourself for your short stay accommodation, what are your options if you need to provide access to your property when you're not in the area during the check-in or check-out time? You need a solution which is approved by the city council, the Victorian Government, and platforms like Airbnb and, which are also compliant with social and affordable housing. Luckily, we have the solution for you!

You can use a KeyNest Point, one of the best options to face the current pressures on housing.

KeyNest provides Airbnb hosts with a network of secure and reliable local Points (stores, cafes, petrol stations) to automate their guest and contractor key collections and drop-offs. We have recently expanded to 25 new locations around Melbourne, and are adding more every week!

We offer a web platform or mobile app that can be used to track and exchange keys remotely, and the host will always get informed while the key is moved. For the key to be collected, a guest or a contractor needs to provide a secure 6-digit collection code, which makes the whole process safe, but also extremely simple.

Is it legal to use lockboxes in Melbourne?

It is illegal to attach lockboxes to council infrastructure in Melbourne. This is because they can impede access to services, cause property damage, or obstruct genuine use of the structure. As such, the City of Melbourne is asking all owners of these lock boxes to remove them immediately.

What to do if you have a lockbox in Melbourne right now?

If you have a lockbox attached to council infrastructure, you should remove it as soon as possible to avoid any potential fines or penalties. Any removed lockboxes will be stored for two weeks, after which they will be destroyed. If you're the owner of a lockbox that has been removed, you can claim your property by contacting the City of Melbourne and making an appointment time. Proof of ownership will be required.