Complaints of Foreign Tenants in HDB Estates
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Miss Cheng Li Hui’s inquiry regarding the volume and nature of complaints about foreign tenants in HDB estates and measures for their community integration. Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong stated that HDB received approximately 3,300 feedback cases concerning suspected unauthorised rentals, dis-amenities, or overcrowding from 2014 to 2018. He noted that HDB investigates all feedback and can impose penalties ranging from written warnings to compulsory flat acquisition for serious infringements. Integration efforts involve the People’s Association’s Integration and Naturalisation Champions and the National Integration Council, which help foreigners understand local laws and social norms. HDB further promotes harmonious living through a network of volunteers and initiatives like the Good Neighbour Awards to encourage positive communal practices.
Transcript
70 Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for National Development (a) over the last five years, what is the number of complaints received by HDB pertaining to foreign tenants in HDB estates; (b) what is the nature of these complaints; (c) how does HDB follow up on the complaints; and (d) whether measures are in place to help first-time foreign tenants of HDB flats familiarise with the norms and practices in HDB estates as well as living in Singapore.
Mr Lawrence Wong: From 2014 to 2018, HDB received about 3,300 cases of feedback on suspected unauthorised flat rentals, dis-amenities or overcrowding of HDB flats by foreign and non-foreign tenants. HDB investigates every case of public feedback received, on top of the proactive inspections that it carries out. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the infringement, HDB may issue a written warning, impose a financial penalty, or acquire the flats compulsorily from the owners.
HDB actively promotes gracious and harmonious living in public housing through various initiatives. For example, HDB has a network of volunteers to help spread tips on neighbourliness at community events and door-to-door visits. HDB also gives out the Good Neighbour Awards to recognise individuals who have gone the extra mile with their acts of neighbourliness.
Besides HDB's efforts, there are also initiatives undertaken by other Government agencies. For example, the People's Association's nationwide network of more than 1,400 Integration and Naturalisation Champions reach out to new immigrants and help them settle into the community. The National Integration Council works with community groups, immigrant associations, schools, and other partners to help foreigners and immigrants understand our local laws, norms and culture.