Monitoring Adherence to Occupancy Cap for HDB Flats Rented Out
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Seah Kian Peng’s inquiry regarding the enforcement of HDB rental occupancy caps and whether the Ministry for National Development plans to increase monitoring efforts. Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee explained that flat owners must obtain HDB’s approval and ensure compliance with caps of four to six persons depending on flat size. To ensure adherence, HDB conducts regular inspections and investigates feedback through a dedicated hotline while holding owners responsible for preventing overcrowding by their tenants. Deterrence measures include community outreach and the publication of enforcement actions, emphasizing that HDB flats are primarily intended for owner-occupation rather than excessive sub-letting. Serious infringements can result in written warnings, financial penalties of up to $50,000, or the compulsory acquisition of the HDB flat by the government.
Transcript
38 Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for National Development (a) how does the Ministry ensure that the maximum number of six tenants and occupants allowed in each HDB flat that is being rented out is adhered to; and (b) whether the Ministry has plans to increase monitoring on this occupancy cap.
Mr Desmond Lee: HDB flats are primarily meant for owner-occupation. Nonetheless, HDB flat owners are allowed to rent out their whole flat after meeting the required minimum occupation period. Flat owners must seek HDB’s approval before renting out their flats and must comply with the terms and conditions for flat rental, including the occupancy cap, during the tenancy. The occupancy cap, set at four persons for 1- and 2-room flats and six persons for 3-room and larger flats, serves to minimise the potential disamenities caused by overcrowding in our public housing estates and maintain a conducive living environment for all residents.
It is the responsibility of flat owners to ensure that there is no overcrowding or further renting out by their tenants during the period of rental. HDB carries out regular flat inspections to ensure that the occupancy cap is adhered to, and investigates public feedback received on suspected cases where the cap has been exceeded. Besides operating a dedicated hotline for the public to report suspected infringements, HDB also organises community programmes and publicises cases of action taken against flat owners to deter flat owners from breaching the rental rules. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the infringement, HDB may issue a written warning, impose a financial penalty of up to $50,000 or acquire the flats compulsorily from the owners.