Number of Undisclosed HDB Flat Subletting Cases Found Between 2010 and 2021
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the number of undisclosed HDB flat subletting cases between 2010 and 2021, the penalties involved, and enforcement improvements, as raised by MP Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee responded that unauthorised renting can result in written warnings, financial penalties of up to $50,000, or the compulsory acquisition of the flat. Between 2010 and 2021, HDB took action against 730 such cases, approximately 70 of which resulted in the compulsory acquisition of the units. To detect infringements, HDB conducts routine inspections and investigates feedback from a dedicated public hotline while also organizing community programmes like Heartland Talks. The Ministry further deter breaches by publicising enforcement actions and emphasizing the requirement for prior approval and the fulfillment of the minimum occupation period.
Transcript
54 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) between 2010 and 2021, what is the number of undisclosed HDB flat subletting cases found; (b) what are the penalties meted to the homeowners in these cases; and (c) how can HDB improve its enforcement of the rules on undisclosed HDB flat subletting.
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 obtain HDB's prior approval, and comply with the terms and conditions during the rent out period.
HDB takes a serious view of unauthorised renting out of flat and will take action against errant flat owners. 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. Between 2010 and 2021, HDB acted against a total of 730 cases of unauthorised renting out of flat, including ~70 which were compulsorily acquired.
To uncover any unauthorised renting out, HDB conducts routine planned inspections and investigates all feedback from members of the public on suspected cases. Besides operating a dedicated hotline for the public to report suspected infringements, HDB also organises community programmes such as Heartland Talks, and publicises cases of action taken against flat owners to deter flat owners from breaching the rental rules.