Overcrowded units, short stays: Suspected illegal accommodation cases on the rise in Singapore
URA investigated more suspected unauthorised dormitories and short-term accommodation cases last year, while property managers say such arrangements are becoming harder to detect.
Singapore saw a surge in suspected illegal accommodation cases in 2024, with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) investigating 544 unauthorised dormitory and short-term rental cases, up from 534 cases the previous year. The increase also extends to 219 suspected short-term accommodation cases, with 58 investigated in the first five months of 2025.
The illegal accommodations are becoming harder to detect, as vendors are shifting to social media platforms like Carousell, where they post listings for stays as short as one month, below the required three-month minimum.
In a recent inspection in the Little India area, authorities uncovered an illegal dormitory with 10 rooms housing 37 people, utilizing bedframes and washing machines brought in through a secret rear entrance. The operator was fined S$90,000 for converting a shophouse unit into an unauthorised dormitory. Property managers note that signs of illegal operations may include occupants appearing confused and seeking directions, indicating they are not familiar with the premises.
Despite stricter enforcement, illegal accommodations continue to appear online. Property and facilities management firms, such as Unity FM, manage increasingly complex detection methods, including monitoring social media beyond commonly used platforms in Singapore. While Singapore's regulations limit residential property rentals to three-month minimum stays, illegal stays persist, potentially impacting neighborhood safety, privacy, and character.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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