Many of you know AirBnB as the cheaper, homelier alternative to hotels when you go on holiday.
Once you determine that your host isn’t a serial killer, you can enjoy your stay in a comfy house for a decent price.
It’s a great way for hosts to make money and for travellers to save it.
The only problem is that it’s illegal here in Singapore.
Not Allowed To Rent Homes Out For Less Than 3 Months
Not many people know this, but short-term rentals of less than three months are actually illegal in Singapore.
So, if you’ve rented out your house on Airbnb for less than three months, you’ve technically broken the law.
In May 2019, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said that it would maintain the three-month minimum stay duration for private residential properties. This was after extensive public consultation since 2015.
The URA investigated 800 suspected cases of illegal short-term lettings in 2019, an increase from 750 in 2018.
Listings Still Available
However, as CNA reports, listings for short-term rentals in Singapore remain online despite these regulations.
There are over 300 listings on Airbnb, many of which do not indicate any minimum rental period.
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When CNA approached some of these owners, they said they were aware of URA’s regulations, but assured CNA that there was no problem with their property.
That doesn’t sound suspicious at all.
And if you think you can get away with it by not listing personal information on Airbnb, think again.
URA said they do not target listings because the owners typically do not list their personal information or indicate if their space is being rented out and used for short-term accommodation.
Instead, they investigate suspected cases of short-term letting. And if you get caught, you’ll face a pretty hefty fine.
Penalties
If you’re caught letting your home for the first time and on a casual basis, you’ll be fined up to S$5,000, while repeat offenders and those who rent out short-term accommodation “on a commercial basis” will be prosecuted in court, with URA seeking higher penalties.
That’s right, you could go to court for this.
The URA has already prosecuted 12 offenders in Court for more than 100 charges. For those convicted, the fines ranged from S$13,000 to S$70,000. More cases currently under investigation are expected to be taken to court,” said a URA spokesperson.
And property owners are also responsible for offences committed within their property, even if the offence was committed by a tenant, so you can’t plead ignorance in that situation.
“We urge (property owners) to regularly check on their tenants to ensure that they do not use their property for illicit activities.”
URA added that parties “found to have been directly involved in, or abetted the offence” will also be held liable.
Yes, it seems like we can’t do many things in Singapore: chew gum, set off fireworks, or even be naked in our own homes.
But at least you know the truth before the man got you. So, if there’s a Russian man in your house who’s booked your apartment for less than three months, you should probably kick him out now.
Sorry, Russian man.
