Navigating Penang’s Guidelines to Short-Term Accommodation

With the growing popularity of short term rentals, many countries are looking at regulating short term accommodation/rentals. Platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com make it easier for property owners to list their properties and allow tourists and visitors a diverse range of accommodation options. However, there have been complaints as the influx of tourists and visitors, particularly in residential areas, led to noise pollution, traffic congestion, and other disturbances that impact the quality of life for long-term residents. In response to this, the Penang State Government introduced the guidelines for short term accommodation imposing strict conditions on how properties can operate within residential buildings, ensuring that the rights and safety of permanent residents are not compromised. Airbnb has also launched its Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings, which provides hosts with resources and best practices to ensure they operate within the legal and community standards. In this article, Partner, Jeyakuhan Jeyasingam, looks at the key aspects of Penang’s Guidelines and Airbnb’s Guide and its impact on the market.

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