The number of private residential properties investigated by Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for breaching the minimum stay law has risen from 1,000 between 2014 and 2016, or an average of around 330 properties per year, to 600 from January to September this year, reported Channel News Asia.
Attributing the increase partly to “heightened public awareness of the regulations in place”, a URA spokesperson revealed that majority of the offences took place in condominiums.
To protect the “living environment of neighbouring residents”, URA has set the minimum rental period for private residential properties in Singapore to three months, which means typical short-term letting on platforms such as Airbnb is prohibited.
According to the spokesperson, URA is informed of potential violations either through feedback received from affected neighbours or a condominium’s managing agent or management corporation.
“All feedback will be investigated and URA works closely with the managing agents and management corporations on the investigations.”
URA, however, noted that most of the offenders have complied upon being served with enforcement notices, eliminating the need for further action.
“In considering the appropriate enforcement action to be taken, URA will take into account the specific circumstances of each case,” said the spokesperson.
“If the offenders are recalcitrant or fail to comply with our requirements following enforcement actions, they are liable to be charged in court.”
Notably, it is an offence to convert a residential property’s use for short-term accommodation without the approval of the URA under the Planning Act. Persons found to be violating the rules may be imprisoned for up to 12 months and/or fined up to $200,000.
This article was edited by Keshia Faculin.
