SINGAPORE — Owners of private residential properties could be allowed to lease out their apartments for Airbnb short-term stays under a new use category proposed by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Releasing its proposed regulatory framework for public consultation on Monday (April 16), the URA spelt out the qualifying criteria for homes to be used for short-term stays, conditions and requirements for homeowners, as well as the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, such as management corporations (MCSTs) and short-term accommodation platforms.

This new use category will apply only to private residential properties, said the URA, and not for Housing and Development Board (HDB) properties.

Currently, private residential properties in the Republic are subject to a minimum stay duration of three consecutive months.

The proposed regulatory framework will create a new use category for Airbnb-style short-term stays, provided a large enough proportion of owners agree to the new use.

Strata-titled properties such as condominiums and apartments governed by management corporations (MCSTs) will need at least 80 per cent share value approval for the short-term accommodation use to be applied to their properties.

The MCST endorsement will be valid for two years, and needs to be renewed with an updated vote count each time.

Owners of developments without MCSTs can decide on the matter and put in an application to the URA to be registered for this new use category, provided requirements are met.

Members can read and share their views on the full consultation document at ura.sg/sta.  They can also share their views on the Reach platform.

The closing date for public submission is May 31.

In a statement, Airbnb described the public consultation as "an important step" for visitors, and Singapore residents who want to share their homes.

"We’re committed to reasonable solutions that will allow responsible home sharing to thrive in Singapore and welcome the opportunity to provide feedback through the consultation process," said Ms Mich Goh, Airbnb's head of public policy for South-east Asia.