Co-living has emerged as a popular housing option in Singapore, offering a unique blend of community living and convenience. However, like any residential arrangement, co-living is subject to specific regulations and guidelines set forth by local authorities. Understanding these legal aspects is crucial for both landlords/co-living operators and tenants to ensure compliance and a smooth living experience.
Legal Status and Property Classification
First and foremost, it's important to note that co-living is legal in Singapore. Co-living operators have the flexibility to run their spaces from developments approved for residential use, serviced apartments, or hotels. This allows for a diverse range of options catering to different needs and preferences. However, HDBs cannot be used as co-living spaces as partitioning is not allowed.
Minimum Stay Requirements and Occupancy Limits
Residential properties require a minimum stay of three months. Serviced apartments have a minimum stay of seven days, while hotels have no minimum stay duration.
In residential settings, a maximum of eight unrelated persons are allowed within a single unit, up from the previous cap of six. Both residential and serviced apartments must adhere to a minimum unit size of 35 square meters.
From January 22, 2024, to December 31, 2026, the occupancy cap will temporarily be relaxed to allow up to eight individuals. This applies to larger private residential properties of at least 90 square meters of strata/lot area.
Eligible property owners must register their property and pay a $20 registration fee to qualify for the higher occupancy cap. They must ensure their property is approved for residential use, has a minimum lot area of 90 square meters, and has yet to have a previous registration for a relaxation of the occupancy cap canceled in the last 12 months.
Property owners can be liable for infringements on their properties. The registration will be canceled, and authorization will cease if the occupancy cap of eight individuals is exceeded or if the additional occupancy creates a serious nuisance. This is in addition to further enforcement actions that may be taken against property owners.
Compliance and By-Laws
Co-living operators must comply with the by-laws of the residential building or condominium where the co-living spaces are located. This ensures that operations are conducted in accordance with local regulations and community standards.
Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants
For tenants considering co-living arrangements, it's essential to understand their rights and responsibilities:
- Co-living spaces offer accommodation with communal facilities and social programming aimed at cultivating communities.
- Tenants have rights to their private space and shared facilities but must adhere to community rules and occupancy limits.
- It's important to respect the community aspect of co-living developments and participate positively in shared activities and events.
Additional Considerations
Authorities provide flexibility for co-living operators to run their operations in appropriate premises while considering concerns related to dis-amenities and technical requirements. This flexibility allows for innovative and sustainable co-living solutions that meet the evolving needs of urban residents.
Navigating Co-Living Regulations
In summary, navigating Singapore's co-living regulations requires a comprehensive understanding of legal status, property classification, minimum stay requirements, occupancy limits, compliance with by-laws, tenant rights and responsibilities, and additional operational considerations. Both landlords/co-living operators and tenants should familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure a positive and compliant co-living experience in Singapore's dynamic urban landscape. By adhering to legal guidelines and fostering a respectful community environment, co-living can continue to thrive as a preferred housing option for residents seeking social connectivity and convenience.
