Singapore cracks down on home sharing
Thursday, 13 Feb, 2017
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Singapore authorities have toughened rules for homeowners aimed at combating the growing influence of the ‘Airbnb economy.’
New guidelines set by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) give enforcement officers wide-ranging powers to call on any property owner for questioning and demand any relevant documents.
It also has powers to take on-site video evidence and even conduct a forced entry of a home if required.
Violators could be fined up to S$200,000 (US$141,400) or face a year in prison.
The main law itself remains unchanged, namely prohibiting residents from subletting their homes for rentals of under six months.
"Allowing residences to be used for short stays leads to high turnovers of occupants, and gives rise to nuisance and safety concerns. Most of us do prefer some familiarity with the people who live around our homes," a statement on the URA website said.
Singapore began public discussions over the home-sharing issue with relevant parties nearly two years ago.
"We have repeatedly offered our support to relevant agencies to develop a framework that promotes responsible home-sharing. Nearly two years since the URA’s public consultation, it’s disappointing that the discussion has not moved forward," Airbnb said.
However National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said the URA is studying the feasibility of designating a new category of private dwellings where short term rentals would be allowed.
This may possibly include existing apartments and houses as well as purpose built new developments.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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