Airbnb hosts in Singapore still offering illegal short-term stays - CNA
Singapore forbids short-term rentals of residential units, but CNA found hosts on Airbnb offering stays of two or three nights in condominiums and HDB flats.
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Illegal Short-Term Stays Found on Airbnb in Singapore
- Short-term rentals of less than three months for private properties and less than six months for HDB flats are not allowed under Singaporean law.
- Despite the ban, more than 15 Airbnb listings in Singapore were found offering short-term stays in condominiums and HDB flats.
- Some listings have been active for months and have received positive reviews from previous guests.
- The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) stated that these listings indicate possible misuse of private properties and will take action if investigations confirm the misuse.
- One host, named "Bob," had multiple listings with over 200 reviews, offering two-night stays in Geylang.
- Another host, named "Candice," advertised a condominium unit as an "authorized serviced apartment" and allowed a booking for a two-night stay.
- Other hosts either withdrew their invitations to book or took down their listings after being questioned about the legality of short stays.
- One host, named "Hayley," admitted to not knowing that offering short stays was against the law after being informed by a reporter.
Airbnb Listings in Singapore Violating Short-Term Rental Laws
- A host named Rebecca had a listing for short-term stays but claimed it was not for short-term stays and later removed the listing.
- Another listing by Missy and Mint offered a room in an HDB flat in Bukit Panjang, a violation of HDB regulations.
- Airbnb introduced a policy requiring hosts to provide applicable license numbers or shift the minimum number of nights to at least 92.
- URA investigated 156 cases of suspected unauthorised short-term accommodation in private residential properties in 2023.
- Airbnb remains legal in Singapore, but hosting in HDB flats is not permitted.
- Offenders of short-term accommodation laws may face fines up to S$5,000 and court proceedings for recalcitrant offenders.
- Several individuals have been fined millions of dollars for providing short-term stays in Singapore.
Regulations on Short-Term Accommodation in Singapore
- Ministry of National Development (MND) takes violations of HDB rules seriously.
- HDB detects unauthorized renting out of flats through various methods.
- MND will take enforcement action against errant owners and tenants.
- URA decides not to proceed with proposed regulations for short-term accommodation.
- Three-month minimum stay duration for private residential properties continues to apply.
Short-Term Rentals in Singapore Violate Laws
- Short-term rentals of less than three months for private properties and less than six months for HDB flats are banned in Singapore.
- Despite the ban, over 15 Airbnb listings in Singapore were found offering short-term stays.
- The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is investigating these listings for possible misuse of private properties.
- Some hosts have multiple listings and positive reviews from previous guests.
- Airbnb introduced a policy requiring hosts to provide license numbers or extend the minimum stay to at least 92 nights.
- Offenders of short-term accommodation laws may face fines up to S$5,000 and court proceedings.
- Several individuals have been fined millions of dollars for providing short-term stays in Singapore.