Taiwan's authorities have issued a warning to illegal rental-management operators — good news for law-abiding operators and renters, and bad news for those looking to exploit loopholes.

• Media reports have suggested that sublet-management operators are engaging in "signing contracts under borrowed licences" — that is, using someone else's licence to conduct business.
• The Interior Ministry says that the rental housing service industry is a licensed sector, and operators must first obtain approval and registration from the local government before they can operate; borrowing a licence is illegal.
• Operators who fail to employ dedicated, qualified rental-management personnel can be fined up to NT$30,000, with the possibility of repeated fines.
• Those operating under a borrowed licence can be fined between NT$40,000 and NT$200,000, and in serious cases can be ordered to cease business directly by the county or city government.

Outlook: The cases in question have been referred to local governments for special inspection, and any violations found will be penalised in accordance with the law; such checks have also been added to the annual routine inspection list.