"The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department says property owners who rent out their houses or apartments for short-term stays stand to face higher risks of fire.

Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director Khirudin Drahman said that although the risk of fire at private residences was categorised as low, the situation changes when there were temporary dwellers at the premises.

“If you are the owner or permanent resident, you know your own home. A newcomer doesn’t. Therefore the fire risk becomes higher,” said Khirudin when asked about premises that have been put up for rent through advertisements as well as online marketplace and homestay network.

He added that incidences of negligence were higher with holidaymakers. Short-term guests have been known to forget to turn off stoves and electrical appliances.

“The problem we have is enforcement.

“We can prove that a owner has been operating illegally. But neighbours, and customers holding receipts of payment made for their booking will have to come forward as witnesses. Trouble is, the public will seldom come forward unless a problem has arisen,” said Khirudin.

Under the law, the Fire and Rescue Department does not have to conduct checks on private residences unless they have received complaints, such as past reports on houses in Bandar Sunway and Subang Jaya that were converted into hostels.

Khirudin says illegal renovations to accommodate short-term stays could drastically alter the fire safety requirements for a building.

For one, the electrical supply system may be overloaded with too many electrical gadgets and appliances like air conditioners which may result in electrical short circuit.

He added that the implication of such action would result in insurance covers being invalid and coverage for all mishaps involving property and life would then be null and void.

In terms of action, the Fire and Rescue Department together with the local authorities can slap offenders with court orders to cease operations if they do not adhere to fire safety requirements.

Under the Fire Service Act 1988, failure to comply can lead to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years.

A further fine of RM100 will also be imposed for each day the offence is continued after conviction.

The stand taken by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is that owners who offer their properties for temporary stays may be doing so illegally if their premises are not situated within designated commercial zones set by the respective councils.

MBPJ said there were no records of owners having registered their home addresses for short-term stays but HomeAway, an online vacation rental marketplace has some 207 units in its Petaling Jaya listing.

However, a spokesman said any individual planning to convert a private residence into temporary accommodation for lodgers must apply with the Development and Planning Department to convert the residential status of the premises into a commercial entity.

The council, the spokesman said, would look at each application on a case-by-case basis.

Priority will be given for safety such as the electrical wiring and building structure integrity. The department will also consider the location’s surroundings. Reasons for rejection will include disturbing the neighbours’ peace.

Over at DBKL, the Development and Planning Department said it was illegal for units to be converted to short-term rentals in residential high rises.

Airbnb host Chris Chan, who is working to establish an association for those in the short-term stay industry so that this group may have a form of representation, said the best thing to do now was tobwork with the authorities.

“I think regulations are important, but both parties should come up with a win-win situation,” said Chan.

While much has been done by Tourism and Culture Ministry to promote the concept of homestays, they have made it clear that short-stays do not fall within their purview.

“Homestays are community-based programmes where tourists get to stay with local families to experience Malaysian culture.

""Short stays in private residential properties are simply described as a personal arrangement between the owner and renter,” said the ministry’s Homestay Unit administrative assistant Nafisah Mohd Hussin.

To keep the situation in check, residents can call 1 800 888 994 (Fire and Rescue Department), 1 800-88-3255 (DBKL) and 03-7954 2020 (MBPJ).