Two men, four firms face multiple charges over illegal short-term stays in private homes
The agency warns that such properties must be rented out for a minimum of three consecutive months
[SINGAPORE] Two men and four companies were on Tuesday (Jul 1) charged in court for allegedly offering unauthorised short-term stays in private residential properties across Singapore.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced the charges, which were filed in two separate court cases.
Each charge carries a maximum fine of S$200,000.
In the first case, Chua Yun Da, also known as James Chua Jr, was handed 90 charges linked to offering short-term stays without approval.
Three companies he is linked to – MR Singapore, Metro Relocations and Cleaning Centre – also faced 90 counts for the offence the same day.
URA said the alleged offences took place in 90 units in 22 private residential developments island-wide.
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In the other case, ST Hospitality and its former chief operating officer, Joshua Goh, were each charged on 80 counts of the same offence on Jun 17.
They are said to have operated in 80 units in 28 private developments.
In a statement, URA warned that private residential properties must be rented out for a minimum of three consecutive months.
“This rule is intended to prevent frequent turnover of transient occupants, which can potentially change the residential character of a property and could negatively impact neighbouring residents,” the agency said.
It added that it “takes a serious stance” against the unauthorised use of private properties for short-term stays, and will continue to “investigate and take strict enforcement action”.
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