SINGAPORE — Suspected cases of illegal accommodation are rising in Singapore, with authorities investigating hundreds of properties allegedly being used as unauthorised dormitories or short-term stays.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) investigated 544 suspected unauthorised dormitory cases in 2025, up from 534 in 2024. In just the first five months of 2026, another 278 suspected cases had already been investigated.
Suspected cases involving illegal short-term accommodation also increased, from 200 in 2024 to 219 in 2025. Between January and May 2026, URA investigated a further 58 suspected cases.
The figures highlight a growing enforcement challenge as authorities continue to crack down on properties allegedly being converted into overcrowded living spaces or used for stays that do not comply with Singapore’s housing rules.
37 people found living in shophouse
One case highlighted by CNA involved a shophouse along Serangoon Road.
During a surprise inspection in 2024, authorities found 37 people living across the second and third floors of the premises. The space had been converted into what URA classified as an unauthorised dormitory.
The offender was subsequently fined S$90,000.
The case illustrates how ordinary-looking commercial or residential properties can potentially be transformed into accommodation arrangements that breach planning and occupancy regulations.
Short-term rentals remain tightly restricted
Singapore’s rules on residential accommodation remain among the strictest in the region.
For private residential properties, stays must generally be for at least three consecutive months. For HDB flats, the minimum rental period is generally six months.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that residential properties are intended primarily for longer-term living, rather than the constant turnover associated with hotel-style or holiday accommodation.
URA has also taken enforcement action against large-scale illegal short-term accommodation operations.
In 2025, four companies and two individuals were charged over allegations involving unauthorised short-term accommodation at 170 units across 50 private residential developments. The cases involved a total of 340 charges, with each charge carrying a maximum fine of S$200,000.
In another major case, six Singaporean men were found guilty of involvement in unauthorised short-term accommodation at 31 private residential properties. The fines imposed totalled S$1.27 million, including a S$1.14 million fine imposed on the key operator.
Why authorities are concerned
The issue is not simply about whether a property owner is earning money from renting out a room or unit.
Authorities have said that frequent turnover of short-term occupants can affect residents’ safety, privacy and security, while potentially changing the character of residential neighbourhoods.
Overcrowding can also raise concerns about whether premises are being used in accordance with approved planning and occupancy requirements.
Singapore has therefore continued to investigate suspected illegal accommodation through public feedback, enforcement operations and monitoring of online listings.
In 2024, HDB and URA said they would investigate suspected cases of illegal short-term accommodation brought to their attention and monitor listings on online platforms.
Heavy penalties for offenders
The financial consequences can be significant.
For private residential properties, first-time offenders who illegally rent out homes for short stays can face fines of up to S$5,000. Repeat offenders or those involved in larger-scale operations can face fines of up to S$200,000 per charge.
For illegal HDB rentals, HDB can issue written warnings and impose fines of up to S$50,000. In the most serious cases, authorities have said that compulsory acquisition of the flat may also be considered.
The scale of recent prosecutions shows that enforcement is not limited to individual homeowners. Authorities have also pursued people and companies allegedly operating multiple properties as illegal short-term accommodation.
The bigger picture
The latest figures do not mean that every suspected case ultimately results in a conviction or enforcement penalty. They represent cases investigated by URA, rather than confirmed offences.
But the increase is significant.
With 278 suspected unauthorised dormitory cases already investigated in the first five months of 2026, compared with 544 across the whole of 2025, the pace of investigations suggests that illegal accommodation remains a major concern for Singapore’s urban and housing authorities.
For people renting or operating properties, the message from authorities is clear: a property cannot simply be converted into a dormitory or hotel-style accommodation arrangement without complying with Singapore’s planning and housing rules.
And as enforcement activity intensifies, property owners, landlords, tenants and operators could face greater scrutiny over how residential and commercial spaces are being occupied.
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