Stop short-term rental of private apartments

I recently visited an accommodation website and discovered whole apartments in Singapore being rented out like hotel rooms and serviced apartments.

As far as I know, all private residential properties are meant for either owner-occupation or leasing out for at least six months to a specific number of live-in tenants based on the unit's size.

Rules, regulations and monthly maintenance fees are in place to ensure that residents play their part in cultivating a clean and conducive living environment for all.

Unlike hotels and serviced apartments, private residential properties are not equipped with the staff or expertise to manage guests for temporary accommodation.

In fact, the wrong kind of guests may even compromise the security of residents.

Can the relevant authorities clarify their position on this issue, and put an immediate stop to this practice?

Recalcitrant property owners who treat their assets as hotel rooms and serviced apartments should be taken to task.

Toh Cheng Seong

This letter was published on April 8 in The Straits Times.

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