Unauthorised Subletting of HDB Flats

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for National Development over the last three years (a) what is the number of cases of HDB flats found to be sublet without permission from HDB; and (b) how many of these cases involve HDB flats owned by Permanent Residents.

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Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, over the last three years, HDB has taken action against 179 flat owners for unauthorised subletting. Of these, eight flats were owned by Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs).

Mr Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio): Sir, I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for his reply. I would also like to thank the Ministry for the previous written replies on related matters. May I ask the Senior Parliamentary Secretary how investigations are conducted to ensure that the flats are not illegally sublet, and what penalties are imposed on those who do so illegally?

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman: Sir, all flat owners who wish to sublet their flats must obtain approval from HDB and fulfil the minimum occupation period. This subletting policy applies consistently to all flat owners – Singapore Citizens as well as Singapore PRs.

What are the measures that HDB has put in place against unauthorised subletting? There are several measures, and they include:

(i) requiring the flat owners to seek HDB's prior approval before subletting, as mentioned earlier, so that they do not get into trouble. Whether they are eligible or not, it is better for them to start by asking HDB for approval;

(ii) granting subletting approval to eligible cases for a maximum of three years, subject to subsequent extension or renewal, meaning that it is not automatic, so that people do not take for granted that once it is approved, they can go ahead and sublet it to anybody that they want to;

(iii) conducting half-yearly flat inspections of approved subletting cases by the Branch officers to detect any irregularities, for example, the number of sub-tenants, whether it exceeds the limit permissible;

(iv) conducting planned and routine inspections of flats to ensure proper occupation by the flat lessees; and

(v) engaging periodically grassroots organisations' assistance to provide feedback on irregularities.

The HDB provides a dedicated hotline for members of the public to provide feedback on unauthorised subletting of these flats. In fact, many times, we take action and investigate based on feedback from the residents living within the vicinity of the sublet flats. We also publicise the action taken against lessees who have committed unauthorised subletting of their flats or breached the subletting rules, to serve as a deterrent. On the penalties, HDB can and has compulsorily acquired flats which have been sublet without authorisation, or, in lieu of compulsory acquisition, we impose a fine.

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