Charging on Household Basis for Rental Flat under Joint Singles Scheme

87 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether tenants of a Joint Singles Scheme flat are informed at allocation that rent is charged on a household basis; (b) what has the review on extending individual charging to Joint Singles Scheme households concluded; (c) whether the household's rental arrears affect a tenant's eligibility to buy a flat; and (d) if so, whether HDB will disregard a co-tenant's non-payment.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) rental flat applicants under the Joint Singles Scheme are informed at the point of flat allocation that they are jointly responsible for the full rent amount. This provides tenants flexibility to decide amongst themselves how to split the rent.

In considering a rental flat tenant's eligibility to purchase a flat, HDB will assess each case based on its own merits, including which party is responsible for the non-payment of rent.