General regulations and permissions

It’s important to make sure you’re allowed to host on your property. Some examples of restrictions include contracts, laws, and community rules. Check with a lawyer or local authority to learn more about regulations, restrictions, and obligations specific to your circumstances.

You can use the general info in this article as a starting point to learn about hosting regulations and permissions.

Contractual agreements and permits

Sometimes leases, contracts, building regulations, condominium rules, and community rules have restrictions against subletting or hosting. Review any contracts you’ve signed or contact your landlord, community council, MCST management corporation or other authority.

You might be able to add an addendum to your lease or contract that can provide clarity about concerns, responsibilities, and liabilities for all parties.

Mortgage restrictions

If your property has a mortgage (or any form of loan), check with the lender to make sure that there are no restrictions against subletting or hosting.

Public housing restrictions

Public housing in Singapore (i.e. HDB flats) are governed by the Housing and Development Act and its various subsidiary legislation. The HDB has promulgated subletting regulations on the renting out of entire HDB flats and bedrooms. Importantly, you must obtain the HDB's approval in writing before you can rent out your HDB flat or bedroom. The regulations also impose a minimum rental period of six months, as well as various other restrictions, including who you may rent to.

Housemates

If you share your home with others, consider making a formal agreement with your housemates in order to outline expectations. Housemate agreements can include how often you plan to host, guest etiquette, whether you'll share revenue, and more.

Misuse

We’ll take appropriate action if anyone notifies us of potential misuse. If local authorities are involved, we also have guidelines to work with local authorities with regards to data requests.


Safety

We care about the safety of hosts and their guests. You can improve your guests’ peace of mind by providing a few simple preparations like emergency instructions and noting any potential hazards.

Emergency contact information

Include a contact list with the following phone numbers:

  • Local emergency numbers
  • The number for the nearest hospital
  • Your contact number
  • A number for a backup contact (in case guests can’t reach you)

It’s also a good idea to make sure guests know the best way to contact you in case of an emergency. You can also communicate with guests using messages on Filmplace as a safe alternative.

Medical supplies

Keep a first aid kit and tell your guests where it is. Check it regularly so you can restock supplies if they run out.

Fire prevention

If you have gas appliances, follow any applicable gas safety regulations and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Provide a fire extinguisher and remember to maintain it regularly.

Exits

Ensure you have a clearly marked fire escape route. Post a map of the route so it’s easy for guests to see.

Hazard prevention

Here are some ways you can help prevent potential hazards:

  • Inspect your home to identify any areas where guests might trip or fall
  • Remove the hazards you identify or mark them clearly
  • Fix any exposed wires
  • Make sure your stairs are safe and have railings
  • Remove or lock up any objects that may be dangerous to your guests

Child safety

Some guests travel with young family members and need to understand if your home is right for them. You can use the Additional notes section of Listing details in your account to indicate potential hazards or indicate that your home isn’t suitable for children and infants.

Climate control

Working appliances, like furnaces and air conditioners, can greatly affect your guests’ comfort during their stay. There are lots of ways you can make sure your guests stay comfortable:

  • Make sure your home is properly ventilated
  • Provide instructions on how to safely use the heater and air conditioning
  • Check that the thermostat is working correctly and make sure that guests know where to find it
  • Service the appliances regularly

Occupancy limits

Establish safe occupancy limits. The HDB and URA have established occupancy caps for renting out HDB flats and private residential properties.

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Courtesy

Part of being a responsible host is helping your guests understand best practices for interacting with your community. When you communicate local rules and customs with your guests, you’re helping to create a great experience for everyone.

Building rules

If your building has common spaces or shared amenities, let guests know the rules for those places.

House rules

You can include your house rules on the Additional notes section of Listing details in your account. Guests usually appreciate it when you share your expectations with them upfront.

Neighbors

It’s usually a good idea to let your neighbors know if you’re planning to host. This gives them the chance to let you know if they have any concerns or considerations.

Noise

Guests book through Filmplace for lots of reasons, including vacations and celebrations. Let your guests know how noise impacts neighbors early on for a smoother experience.

If you’re concerned about disturbances to your community, there are different ways you can help limit excessive noise:

  • Implement a quiet hours policy
  • Don’t allow pets
  • Indicate that your listing isn’t suitable for children or infants
  • Prohibit parties and additional unregistered guests

Parking

Communicate any parking rules for your building and neighborhood to your guests. Examples of possible parking rules:

  • Only park in an assigned space
  • Don’t park on the west side of the street on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to street cleaning
  • Street parking is only available from 7pm-7am

Pets

First, check your lease or building rules to make sure there isn’t a restriction on pets. If you allow guests to bring pets, they’ll appreciate knowing good places to exercise their pet or where they should dispose of waste. Share a backup plan, like the number of a nearby pet kennel, in case a guest's pet upsets the neighbors.

Privacy

Always respect your guests' privacy. Our rules on safety devices clearly state what we expect from our hosts, but some locations have additional laws and regulations that you’ll need to be aware of.

Smoking

If you don't allow smoking, we suggest posting signs to remind guests. If you do allow smoking, be sure to provide ashtrays in designated areas.

Local regulations

Please follow location city, county, or region-specific law and regulation. 


Liability and basic coverage

Review your homeowners or renters policy with your insurance agent or carrier to make sure your listing has adequate liability coverage and property protection.