More disruption ahead for hospitality sector

THE government's move to halve the minimum rental period for private homes from six months to three months appears to be a middle-of-the-road approach to meeting clamouring demands from different camps. Despite what some see as a "measured" move, there are sombre implications for incumbent hospitality players.

Singapore is not alone in reviewing its rules as cities globally are doing likewise in light of the pervasive use of home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Homeaway.

While the revised rule satisfies those who want to lease their units for shorter periods, it falls short of allowing them to rent out on a daily or weekly basis. The revision could have, of course, been more drastic than this but such a line of reasoning is of cold comfort to serviced residence operators and hotels here.