EXORBITANT RENTS CHARGED BY LANDLORDS, AND PROTECTION FOR SUB-TENANTS

Mr Seah Peng Chuan asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether he is aware that some landlords and chief tenants sublet rooms at exorbitant rents, and whether he will take steps to protect sub-tenants from being victimized.

Inche Abdul Hamid: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am aware that some landlords and chief tenants sublet rooms at rents higher than they should but in respect of rent-controlled houses at least the remedy is in the hands of sub-tenants who claim they are being victimised. I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the provisions of the Control of Rent Ordinance (Cap. 242), particularly section 15 (1) (g), which prohibits a chief tenant from receiving for the whole of any sublet premises, including the apportioned rental or value of any part of the premises retained by him, more than 110 per cent of the rent he is paying to the landlord. In other words, where a chief tenant pays his landlord a rent of $100 per mensem, he is allowed under the Ordinance to collect for all the parts sublet and the part retained by him a total rent not exceeding $110 a month excluding municipal charges. If he collects more than this, a sub-tenant can apply to the Rent Conciliation Board set up under the Ordinance to apportion the rent amongst themselves or to recover any excess paid over the legal rent due.