The URA arrived at the decision following extensive consultations with key stakeholders on the proposed regulatory framework for the use of private homes for short-term accommodation
Airbnb-style short-term accommodation will remain illegal in Singapore, announced the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Wednesday (8 May).
This means the minimum stay duration of three consecutive months will continue to apply for private residential properties.
The URA arrived at the decision following extensive consultations with key stakeholders on the proposed regulatory framework for the use of private homes for short-term accommodation (STA).
A national survey commissioned by URA in the second half of 2018 showed that majority of Singaporeans support the regulatory framework for STA.
Several home-sharing platform operators, however, called for a lighter touch approach as they deemed the proposed rules to be overly restrictive.
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Management corporations also expressed concerns on the greater responsibilities placed on them.
The proposed regulations, among others, requires management corporations of strata titled developments to obtain 80 percent consent from subsidiary proprietors for short-term accommodation use.
“Given this impasse, URA will not proceed with the proposed regulations at this stage,” said URA.
“Instead, it will continue to monitor the situation, as well as broader developments on the STA scene. URA remains open to reviewing the position in future, if and when platform operators demonstrate that they are prepared to adhere to the regulatory framework.”
Mich Goh, Airbnb’s head of public policy for South-East Asia, has expressed disappointment with URA’s decision, reported Business Times.
However, she added: “While today’s announcement is disappointing, we remain committed to working with the government towards a pathway forward for our community of hosts in Singapore and the hundreds of millions of guests who use Airbnb when they travel.”
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Fiona Ho, Digital Content Manager at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories, email fiona@propertyguru.com.sg
