Renting out private residential properties

RENTING OUT PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

Private residential properties must be rented out for periods of at least six consecutive months. They may not be used for short-term rentals on a daily or weekly basis. In addition, property owners must meet the following conditions when renting out their properties.

Any internal partitioning works carried out on the property must not compromise the nature of the property as a single self-sufficient residential unit with essential features such as a living/dining area and kitchen
With effect from 15 May 2017, the maximum number of unrelated occupants that may be accommodated in a property is six.
Frequently Asked Questions

1. We are a family of four who intend to rent out part of our home. What is the maximum number of additional persons that we can accommodate?
The occupancy cap of six applies to all persons residing within your home. Therefore, you may accommodate up to two additional persons.
The only exception in which the occupancy cap does not apply is when a private residential property is entirely occupied by the same family unit.


2. Who does URA consider as unrelated persons?
Any persons who are not part of the same family unit are considered as unrelated. However, domestic workers and caregivers hired by a family will be treated as part of the same family unit.

3. Are employees of the same company considered related occupants, and therefore exempted from the occupancy cap?
No, employees of the same company are not considered related occupants and will therefore be subjected to the occupancy cap.

4. What if I have already signed a tenancy for seven or eight persons before 15 May 2017?
If you have already signed a tenancy for seven or eight persons before 15 May 2017, it may run its course until the cut-off date of 15 May 2019. This will apply to all tenancies regardless of their contracted end-date.
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