Penang to ban homestays, says state exco

 

A guideline will be issued to empower management bodies of apartments and condominiums to take action against errant homeowners.

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will ban short-term rental homes or homestay in landed and highrise properties “soon” as the state vows to battle annoyances caused by holidaymakers in apartments, condominiums, and residential neighbourhoods.

State executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said though the starting date for the ban had not been decided, the state government has agreed with the plan, based on the numerous complaints from residents’ groups.

“Whether people like it or not, we will be firm on th

Jagdeep, who is the state housing committee chairman, said the ban would manifest in the form of a “guideline”, which will be passed to local councils for enforcement.

He said the guideline, among others, would empower management bodies of apartments, condominiums or any stratified properties to take action against errant homeowners who allowed short-term rental.

“We are probably the first state to do this. Another set of guidelines would also be introduced for landed properties, pending legal issues that we would have to sort out,” he said.

Jagdeep added that with the state having the third-highest number of stratified properties, the guidelines would serve as a safety net and social security for residents.

He said under federal law, joint-management bodies (JMBs), or management committees (MCs) of stratified properties (typically apartments and condominiums) can introduce homestay bans.

Jagdeep said this could be imposed via a property’s House Rules as allowed under the Strata Management Act 2013. Under the act, the JMB or MC can impose fines of up to RM200 on those who flout the rules.

Jagdeep said while he understands property owners want to make extra money through homestays, it would be unfair to do so without the consent of others in the same property or residential area.

He said if owners are keen on renting out their units, they must get at least 75% of the residents to give their consent and that this must be recorded by the JMB or MC in an annual general meeting. - FMT