This story was first published on PropertyGuru
More private property owners in Singapore are renting out their units for illegal short-term stays via apps such as Airbnb.
According to the Ministry of National Development (MND), the number of reported cases rose from 377 in 2015 to 608 last year. In 2017, there have already been 415 cases reported as of July.
Responding to a parliamentary query from Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Melvin Yong on Tuesday (1 August), the ministry said that residents who suspect their neighbours of conducting short-term rentals can provide feedback to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
Those found violating the rules are served with an enforcement notice to cease any unauthorised use. “In most cases, offenders have complied and ceased the unauthorised use,” said the MND.
However, the authorities will take court action against recalcitrant offenders, as well as those operating multiple short-term rental units in a single development.
The minimum period for short-term rentals of private homes was reduced from six to three months at the end of June. Short-term stays of less than three consecutive months are still disallowed.
The URA is currently reviewing possible guidelines to facilitate short-term rentals, and intends to conduct a public consultation to seek feedback on the issue.
On Airbnb’s end, the popular lodging marketplace believes that the upcoming public consultation is an opportunity for Singapore to develop a clear framework for responsible and sustainable home sharing.
“We look forward to being a part of that consultation and working with the government to find a clear way forward for home sharing, so that our host community — the majority of whom share their primary residence on an occasional basis — can continue to open up their homes to travellers from around the world,” said an Airbnb spokesperson to Coconuts Singapore, adding that hundreds of cities around the world are embracing home sharing and its benefits.
“By encouraging tourism and expanding opportunities for travellers to visit Singapore authentically, we can shine a global light on the qualities that make this country so special.”
Text: Romesh Navaratnarajah / PropertyGuru. Additional reporting by Coconuts Singapore
EDIT: Article update to reflect comments by Airbnb
