THE growing number of illegal homestays in the country is not only irking hoteliers, but also homeowners, especially those in mostly high-end condominium and apartment units.
According to reports, there are about 350,000 registered hotel rooms in the country and around 175,000 unregistered homestays.
Those in the tourism industry say many, especially with larger families, prefer these unregistered homestays as they are much cheaper, with some four-room apartments in the Klang Valley going for as low as RM180 per night.
"Also, in most cases, there are no restrictions on the number of people allowed and, in some instances, even two families stay together in a single unit.
"Apart from the lack of regulations, these unregistered homestays also pose a serious fire and safety risk," said a hotelier.
Another hotelier said these unregistered homestays not only affect the licenced hotel industry but have also become a nuisance to genuine condominium and apartment owners.
"I own a condominium in the Klang Valley and when we bought it about four years ago, the agent for the developer promised us there would be no Airbnb and it was for families.
"However, now, up to 30 per cent of the units are being used for Airbnb," he said.
Distress to families
He said this has caused great distress to his family and others who purchased units for personal dwelling.
"Now, every weekend, there are lots of strangers around and the facilities like the pool and gym are monopolised by these outsiders.
"It is no longer safe to send our children out to play on their own due to so many outsiders in the common areas," he said.
A housing agent revealed that due to the large number of apartments and condominiums being built in the Klang Valley, many are left empty.
"To overcome this problem, he said developers themselves get an agent and lease the units out for Airbnb use.
"This is why even the management committees are unable to put an end to these illegal Airbnb rentals as the developers themselves are involved," he revealed.
Another resident of a condominium in Old Klang Road said it is time the government pass some strict laws and clamp down on these unregulated activities.
"There have been instances where our children have found beer bottles thrown in the pool, while once there were even two drunk women sleeping near the shower rooms.
"The security later informed us that they came in as visitors and we found out they were staying at one of the Airbnb units over the weekend," revealed the resident who is also part of his condominium management committee.
"The local authorities seriously need to put an end to this.
"Apart from security issues, such practices are also affecting the prices of our property," he added. - June 2, 2025
