SINGAPORE (Jan 21): The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) wants feedback on whether private residential properties in Singapore should be allowed to be used for shorter-term stays.

URA currently requires all private residential properties in Singapore to be used for stays of at least six months. This is intended to safeguard the living environment of a residential development, and to ensure that residents are not adversely affected by the frequent turnover of transient occupiers on short-term stays.

However, URA says it has received various views on this requirement. On one hand, some have requested URA to allow shorter period of stays to cater to tourists who prefer to stay with locals or let home owners supplement their income by renting out their spare rooms or the entire unit. On the other hand, other residents have raised concerns over noise, loss of privacy, security, and misuse of common facilities. Among them, there have been calls for stronger enforcement against residential subletting infringements including short-term stays.

“We are thus reviewing whether to adjust the guidelines on the minimum period of stay for private residential properties. We will also look into enhancing URA’s enforcement powers, particularly in the area of investigation capabilities. As part of the review, we are gathering feedback from the public through various avenues such as discussions with stakeholders, and an online questionnaire. The review will be completed this year and we will announce details when they are ready,” says URA in a press release.

Interested members of the public can submit their feedback online at ura.sg/shorttermstays from now until Feb 23.