Perhaps you’re not looking to settle in Singapore for an extended amount of time, or you’re looking for an interim place while you purchase property or shop around for your more permanent home. Whatever the reason, you’re looking for a short term rental in Singapore, and you’re not quite sure where to start. We’ve compiled this guide to help you understand your options.Firstly, let’s clarify the government’s stance in Singapore on short term rentals:
“In general, owners of both private residential properties and HDB flats should not sublet their premises on a short-term basis to tourists, as this will lead to high turnover of occupants and high human traffic, which could cause nuisance and safety concerns to the neighbours.
Under the HDB's terms and conditions for subletting, the minimum period of subletting must not be less than six months. Subletting of HDB flats or bedrooms for short-term stay to tourists is not allowed.
Owners of private residential properties should similarly comply with the URA's guidelines if they wish to lease or sublet their residential units or rooms. Private residential properties are meant for longer-term stays of six months or more.” – Urban Redevelopment Authority Of Singapore
FAQs
Is renting out my apartment in Singapore allowed?
Potentially, yes. However, you would need to follow the government guidelines and obtain prior permission from the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) of Singapore.
Is a short term rental illegal in Singapore?
Usually, yes. Since the Amended Planning Act, the new law makes it illegal for property owners to rent out their apartments or even rooms in their apartment on a short-term basis unless they have permission from the URA to do so.
Is there a punishment for people renting out their apartments on a short term basis?
Yes. Those who are found in violation of this measure can be fined up to S$200,000 (approx. £114,000) or sent to jail for up to a year.
Will this be permanent?
No one can say for sure, although the URA is reportedly looking into creating a new category of private homes which will be allowed to sublet on a short term basis.
So what options are you looking at if you still want to go ahead with a short term rental and don’t want to stay in a hotel?
Serviced Apartments
Serviced apartments come fully furnished with amenities such as housekeeping, laundry facilities, pool and gym. If you are on a company trip, your company may provide a serviced apartment for you. They are the go to above-board solution for short term rentals in Singapore.
Try some of these serviced apartment websites.
• Serviced Suites
• ISA Apartments
• Silver Door Apartments
The following are websites where, up until recently, people were able to find rentals for under six months in Singapore. Since the passing of the new law, this is no longer legal. However, you may be able to find a rental that covers a longer time period but is still less than a year, for example. Staying in an unapproved short term let is illegal and Expat Focus does not condone this.
AirBNB
https://www.airbnb.com
Founded in 2008, Airbnb is a “trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world”.
Homeaway
https://www.homeaway.com
Homeaway is a world leader in vacation rentals, which can really range from holiday villas to apartments and condos in convenient locations all across Singapore.
Homie.co
https://www.homie.co
At the moment, Homie.co is specifically geared towards finding rooms, rentals and roommates in Singapore with a search filter that starts with a minimum of one month, although this minimum will probably be changed soon. You can also use the search filter options to specify gender and occupation.
Propertyguru
https://www.propertyguru.com.sg
A search website for selling and renting properties in Singapore. You can use the directory tabs at the top of the page to search for condos, HDB flats and new projects.
Gumtree
https://www.gumtree.com
Gumtree is used for a huge variety of things, from selling second hand homeware items to job searches, and as it turns out, even for those looking for a place to rent.
Craiglist
http://singapore.craigslist.com.sg
Like Gumtree, it’s probably not the first website that would pop into your head when looking for property, but they do have a property search, including a temporary & sublets section.
Rent In Singapore
https://rentinsingapore.com.sg
A website dedicated to renting in Singapore, choose from “rooms, units or tenants” to find what you are looking for. This website mainly features budget apartments.
Easy Roommate
https://www.easyroommate.com.sg
Exactly what it says on the tin – make yourself a profile, then search and apply for apartments. People can also contact you, if your profile fits the qualities they are looking for in a roommate.
ST Property
http://www.stproperty.sg
A property website for selling and renting in Singapore, with a handy feature that allows you to search for properties near schools, MRT stations, shopping malls and childcare centres.
Flats DB
http://www.flatsdb.com
Flats DB is a rental listing website, allowing you to search for HDB apartments and condos.
Facebook groups
Try utilising the power of social media to network and connect with fellow expats and Singaporeans who may be looking for flatmates.
Check out the following groups on Facebook:
• FindYourRoominSG
• Flats and Flatmates
• Rooms and Roommates in SG
We hope this guide has answered all the questions you have in regards to short term rental in Singapore and has provided you will clarification on the current situation of the rental market.
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