Singapore mulls allowing pvt houses to be rented out

Move comes after home- sharing giant Airbnb let out apartments without permission

Singapore, April 16: Singapore on Monday proposed allowing private home owners to rent out their property for shortterm stays but with stringent conditions, a move welcomed by home- sharing giant Airbnb.

It came after two Singaporean Airbnb hosts were fined Sg$ 60,000 ($ 45,800) each this month for letting out apartments without official permission, underscoring the land- scarce city- state’s strict rules on short- term rentals.

The prosecution prompted criticism from the firm, which is a popular and

Move comes after two Singaporean Airbnb hosts were fined $ 45,800 each this month for letting out apartments without official permission, underscoring the land- scarce citystate’s strict rules on short- term rentals

often cheaper alternative to hotels, and authorities decided to examine the issue.

On Monday the government’s Urban Redevelopment Authority ( URA) published proposals for a regulatory framework for private home owners wanting to let out their properties for tourists.

Members of the public are invited to provide their feedback until May 31.

The proposal refers to private homes in the city sate, which are usually gated, high- rise condominiums with strict security policies. It does not cover the government- subsidised apartments where more than 80 percent of the population in the rich but land- starved country live.

The URA’s proposals included measures to safeguard the security and privacy of private home residents, including a shortterm rental cap of 90 days per year and limiting the number of persons renting a unit to six.

A person wanting to rent out his property for shortterm accommodation must also get majority support from the other homeowners in a condominium complex, according to the proposal.

Airbnb welcomed the suggestions.

“This public consultation is an important step for the significant number of locals who want to share their homes, and travellers who want a unique and authentic experience when they visit Singapore,” said Mich Goh, head of public policy for Airbnb Singapore.

◗ On Monday the government’s Urban Redevelopment Authority ( URA) published proposals for a regulatory framework for private home owners wanting to let out their properties for tourists