Tag: short-term accommodation

Short-Term Accommodation Regulations in Singapore: Protecting Residential Communities

In Singapore, residential properties such as condominiums, walk-up apartments, flats, bungalows, semi-detached, and terrace houses are intended for long-term residence. As a result, using these properties for short-term accommodation, defined as stays of less than three consecutive months, is prohibited by law. This includes renting out properties as hotels, hostels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or homestays to short-term visitors, often done through online home-sharing platforms.

The purpose of this regulation is to ensure the safety, privacy, and security of homes and preserve the residential character of local communities. The frequent coming and going of short-term visitors can compromise these aspects.

Property owners and tenants are responsible for ensuring their properties are not used for short-term accommodation. Owners should exercise due diligence and regularly check their properties. Those found guilty of engaging in short-term accommodation face a minimum fine of up to $5,000. Recalcitrant individuals or those engaging in short-term accommodation at multiple properties may be taken to court, resulting in significantly heavier fines.

Management Corporations (MCSTs) play a crucial role in tightening security measures to minimize the occurrence of short-term accommodation activities in their developments. They can enhance visitor screening procedures, especially for those carrying luggage, and record details of their units and entry/exit dates.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) collaborates with MCSTs to investigate suspected short-term accommodation activities. Promptly providing accurate and up-to-date information to the URA is essential to expedite investigations and enforcement actions.

Visitors to Singapore should also be aware of these regulations. Those staying for less than three consecutive months have options such as hotels (no minimum stay duration) and serviced apartments (minimum stay duration of seven days). Visitors who choose to book short-term accommodation at private residential properties may be required to assist in investigations if found staying at the property during authorities’ checks. They may also face inconvenience and additional costs for alternative accommodation as some MCSTs and security officers actively enforce these regulations.

Renting out your private residential property? Know the occupancy cap in Singapore

If you own a private residential property and wish to rent it out, you must adhere to the following rules.

Occupancy cap

All types of private residential property are subjected to an occupancy cap of six unrelated persons per property.

Unrelated persons refer to anyone who is not part of the same family unit.

Domestic helpers are considered part of the same family unit. The occupancy cap also applies to tenants who sublet the property.

As the property owner, you must ensure that your tenants follow the rules.

Examples

A family of six with domestic helpers are considered as part of the same family unit and will not be subjected to the occupancy cap. However, a family of four who stays and rents out part of their property is subjected to the occupancy cap. They are allowed to accommodate a maximum of two additional unrelated persons on the property.

Partitioning

If you plan to carry out any internal partitioning works on your property, you must ensure that it does not compromise the nature of your property as a single self-sufficient residential unit with essential features such as a living/dining area and a kitchen.

Registration of Tenants

For property owners, you do not need to register your tenants with URA. If your property is rented out to an employer who intends to house foreign employees, the occupancy cap of six unrelated persons per property applies. The addresses of these employees must be updated on the Ministry of Manpower website by the employer. You can check the number of foreign employees registered on your property via Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) website. For tenancy guidelines related to renting out a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, visit HDB’s website for details.

Short-Term Accommodation

You are not allowed to rent out your property on a daily or weekly basis. Private residential properties must be rented out for at least three consecutive months.