Review of Income Criteria for Subsidised Rental Flat from HDB

Ms Lee Li Lian asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry intends to review the current income criteria to qualify for a subsidised rental flat; and (b) when was the last time a review on income requirement was conducted.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: From time to time, we review the income ceiling and other eligibility criteria for HDB rental flats. This is to ensure that our stock of some 50,000 rental flats benefit the targeted population segment. These are essentially the low-income households who have no family support and no other housing options.

As $1,500 per month corresponds to the 20th percentile of household income, the current income ceiling remains appropriate. However, income ceiling is just a guide. In practice, HDB has exercised flexibility to enable some families with higher income get a public rental flat, if their circumstances are deserving of such assistance.