Applications for HDB Rental Flats by Distressed Individuals and Assistance for Them to Buy Flexi Flats

21 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development (a) in each of the last five years, how many applications have been received for HDB rental flats by (i) divorcees (ii) bankrupts (iii) those who run into financial difficulty due to repayment of debt arising from business failures (iv) those facing debt repayment due to gambling and (v) those facing family disputes and refusal of help by family members; and (b) whether help has been and can be given to them to buy one- or two-room flexi flats with shorter tenures on an exceptional basis.

Mr Lawrence Wong: From 2015 to September 2019, HDB received about 10,300 requests from divorcees seeking to rent a flat from HDB. HDB does not specifically track whether rental applicants are bankrupt, in financial difficulties due to business failure or gambling, or facing family disputes.

HDB has helped rental applicants with sufficient budget to buy short-lease 2-room Flexi flats on an exceptional basis, for example by exercising flexibility on the age requirement.

HDB will continue to offer public rental flats for households who have no other housing options and no family support.