HDB RENTAL FLATS (Policy and particulars)

Dr Wong Kwei Cheong asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the number of (i) Housing and Development Board flats available for rental, (ii) rental flats already occupied and (iii) applicants for rental flats, as at the latest convenient date; and (b) what is the current policy with regard to rental flats.

Mr Dhanabalan: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as at 31st May 1987, there were 38,263 vacant rental flats. However, only 8,237 flats were available for rental. The other 30,026 flats were in blocks earmarked for demolition. 84,551 rental flats are presently occupied. As at 31st May 1987, there were 2,978 public applicants for rental flats. Of these, 1,100 have been offered flats which they have not taken up. The rest are being allocated flats in accordance with their registration priority.

HDB's policy is to encourage the public to buy rather than rent flats. There are various special incentive schemes to help existing rental tenants as well as those on the rental waiting list to purchase Home Ownership flats.

So far about 10,000 rental tenants have applied to purchase HDB flats. The HDB, however, recognizes that there will be a small group of low income citizens who cannot afford to buy Home Ownership flats. Sufficient rental flats will be retained to meet their needs.