“From May 1, 2018, the occupancy cap for four-room and larger Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats being rented out will be reduced to six persons, from the current maximum of nine persons,” said HDB in a press release issued today.
All flat owners must also obtain HDB’s prior approval before renting out their flats or bedrooms.
“The changes seek to minimise disamenities caused by overcrowding, and to maintain a conducive living environment in our public housing estates,” said the Housing Board.
However, the cap for three-room and smaller flats remains unchanged at six persons and four persons respectively.
“In line with Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) cap of six persons for private residential properties which are rented out, HDB flat owners renting out their flats or bedrooms to unrelated persons (who are not from the same family unit) will need to adhere to the new occupancy cap of six,” said HDB.
This cap will also apply to all living quarters of commercial properties that are being rented out. The cap will take effect for all new and renewal applications submitted from 1 May 2018.
However, for cases approved before May 1, 2018, the revised cap will apply upon renewal of the arrangement to rent out or when there are changes in the occupants. New occupants cannot be included if the occupancy cap has been reached.
In addition to this, from May 1, all flat owners, as well as all commercial property owners and tenants, will be required to seek HDB’s approval before the commencement of tenancy.
“This measure will help ensure that the eligibility conditions are met before the tenancy commences,” said HDB.
Applications to rent out HDB flats, bedrooms or living quarters of commercial properties may be submitted online via HDB’s e-services. The outcome of the application will be made known immediately.
An administrative fee is payable with each application, at SGD10 per bedroom or SGD20 for the whole flat rented out. To apply to rent out living quarters (whole or partial) in commercial properties, the administrative fee is SGD100 per application.
For enquiries, people can contact the HDB Branch Service Line at 1800-225-5432 or the Commercial Properties Enquiry Line at 1800-866-3073 between Monday and Friday, 8am to 5pm.