URA seeks feedback on short-term private home rentals

THE public survey that regulator Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said it will launch in its review of short-term private home rentals is now live. The current review does not include Housing Board flats.

Feedback can be submitted at http://ura.sg/shorttermstays from now until Feb 23.

The move to seek feedback comes amid the rise of websites like Airbnb that facilitate short-term rentals at cheaper prices than hotels. Allowing short-term stays could cause competition to heat up in the hospitality industry.

Current rules require stays of at least six months to "safeguard the living environment of a residential development, and to ensure that residents are not adversely affected by the frequent turnover of transient occupiers", said URA.

Some people have asked URA to allow shorter periods of stay to cater to tourists or to let home-owners earn additional income. However, other residents are concerned about noise, loss of privacy, security, and misuse of common facilities. There have been calls for stronger enforcement against residential subletting infringements, including short-term stays.

"We are thus reviewing whether to adjust the guidelines on the minimum period of stay for private residential properties. We will also look into enhancing URA's enforcement powers, particularly in the area of investigation capabilities," URA said.

The review will be completed this year and URA will announce details when ready.