Published on: Aug 04, 2026

Have Your Say: Proposed Short-Term Letting By-law

The City of Cape Town is inviting residents and property owners to comment on a proposed Short-Term Letting By-law, which forms part of the City’s approach to regulating properties used for short-term accommodation through online booking platforms. The proposed By-law supports the City’s recently amended Rates Policy by establishing a registration system for properties used for short-term letting.

 What is proposed?

The draft By-law would require:

• All properties advertised on short-term booking platforms to be registered with the City.
• A City-issued STL registration number to be displayed on all online listings.
• Booking platforms, owners and operators to provide information that assists the City in determining the appropriate property rating category.
• Booking platforms to remove listings that do not display a valid City STL registration number.

 What does this mean for property owners?

The proposed By-law works alongside the City’s Rates Policy.

• Properties used for short-term letting for 50% or less of their annual room-night capacity may continue to qualify for residential rates, provided they meet the City’s policy requirements.
• Properties used for more than 50% of their annual room-night capacity would be regarded as commercial accommodation and rated accordingly.

Should the By-law be adopted, the City intends implementing any changes to property rating categories from 1 July 2027.

ALSO READ: Frequently Asked Questions – Proposed Short-Term Letting By-law

Public Participation

Residents, property owners and other interested parties are encouraged to review the proposed By-law and submit comments during the public participation period.

 Comment period: 5 August – 5 October 2026

If you own a property used for short-term accommodation or have an interest in how short-term letting is managed in Cape Town, this is an opportunity to have your say before the By-law is finalised.

Comments, recommendations and input may be submitted by:

•  Email: STL@capetown.gov.za
• Written submission: Deliver to any of the City’s subcouncil offices or City libraries (in the comment box)
• Website: capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay and www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate

Welgemoed residents, particularly those involved in short-term letting, are encouraged to review the proposed By-law and take part in the City’s public participation process.

Welgemoed CID Management

Welgemoed CID operates in alignment with the City of Cape Town’s core service delivery and governance pillars. For operational assistance or urgent matters, residents are encouraged to save the Welgemoed CID Control Room number: 086 1212 315