Singapore charges two men for illegal short-term rentals via Airbnb

Singapore charged two men on Tuesday with providing unauthorised short-term stays to tenants, media said.

airbnb
Airbnb logo. Reuters

Singapore charged two men on Tuesday with providing unauthorised short-term stays to tenants, media said.

Terence Tan En Wei, 35, and Yao Songliang, 34, face four charges each for renting out their private property to others for under six months.

The men face four charges under the Planning Act for renting out four units in a condominium for less than six months without permission from Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority.

If found guilty, they are liable to a fine of up to S$200,000 (RM602,890) per offence.

Under the Planning Act, the new rule makes it illegal for owners of private residences to rent, sublet or share their homes with others for under six months.

Airbnb said it remained committed to Singapore and will work alongside the government to find a way forward for home sharing.

"We have collaborated with authorities around the world, developing clear and sensible frameworks that allow home sharing to thrive, while addressing each city's unique challenges and concerns," Airbnb spokesperson said in an email.

The cases of Tan and Yao will be heard again next January. Both men were represented in court by Ms Wong Soo Chih of Ho Wong Law Practice.

Founded in 2008 in San Francisco, Airbnb matches people wishing to rent out all or part of their homes to temporary guests. It appeals to young, web-focused consumers looking for a cheaper price, but also for the experience of living like a local.

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