Best Practices in Managing Disamenities from Disruptive Technology Like Airbnb
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Ang Hin Kee’s inquiry regarding mitigation measures for disamenities caused by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and the government's next policy steps. Minister Lawrence Wong clarified that Urban Redevelopment Authority guidelines mandate a minimum six-month rental period for private residential properties to protect neighborhood privacy and security. Minister Lawrence Wong stated that authorities investigate unauthorized short-term rentals and issue enforcement notices to owners to cease such use when disamenities are reported. Minister Lawrence Wong noted that the government is studying international practices and reviewing 2015 public consultation feedback to ensure a balanced regulatory approach. Minister Lawrence Wong concluded that the six-month minimum rental duration remains in effect while the Ministry evaluates the impact of short-term rentals on residents.
Transcript
22 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the best practices in terms of mitigation measures to manage dis-amenities arising from disruptive technology, such as Airbnb, which enable homeowners to list their private residential properties for short-term rental; and (b) what steps will the Ministry be embarking on next with respect to its decision on disruptive technology and home owners offering accommodation for short-term rental via apps.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) guidelines, residential premises cannot be rented out for a period of less than six months. Short-term rentals are, therefore, considered an unauthorised use subject to enforcement action. The basis for URA's enforcement action is to prevent disamenity to neighbouring residents, including privacy- and security-related concerns arising from the high turnover of transient guests in residential estates and developments.
URA investigates all suspected cases of unauthorised short-term rental. In the case of strata-titled developments, Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) have provided information to URA on specific premises within their developments in which dis-amenity concerns have arisen from the presence of transient guests. Once URA confirms a case of unauthorised short-term rental, it sends an enforcement notice to the person or persons responsible, including the owner of the premises, requiring the unauthorised use to cease.
In 2015, URA conducted a public consultation exercise on short-term rentals. The review is still ongoing. The issue of allowing short-term rentals warrants careful and balanced review without a rush to conclusion. In particular, we must carefully consider the implications of doing so, given the potential impact and disamenity of such rentals on neighbouring residents. We are also studying relevant practices and regulations adopted by other cities, as well as their experiences thus far.
In the meantime, URA's guidelines imposing a minimum rental duration of six months for private residential properties continue to apply.