Discriminatory Practices in Private Residential Rental Market and Measures to Address Discrimination

Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has studied the extent of discriminatory practices in the private residential rental market, including cases where Singaporeans are excluded; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider stronger legislative or regulatory measures to address such discrimination.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: For rental transactions facilitated by property agents, the Council for Estate Agencies' (CEA's) regulatory guidelines require property agents to be sensitive to the multi-cultural nature of Singapore's society. Property agents should refrain from placing advertisements that discriminate against any nationality, race, religion or group. Property agents who are found to have breached these guidelines will be subject to enforcement action by CEA. Members of the public can lodge a complaint with CEA if they come across any potentially discriminatory advertisements by property agents.