HDB'S COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES (Review of rental policies)

Mr Tay Beng Chuan asked the Minister for National Development if he will consider (i) reviewing the Housing and Development Board's rental policies for commercial and industrial premises to allow tenants greater flexibility to sub-divide and sublet their premises for compatible multi-purpose usage and cost saving purposes; and (ii) relaxing the rule on HDB shop-cum-dwelling units to allow owners and tenants of these units to use the dwelling space for compatible commercial purposes.

Mr Koo Tsai Kee (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, HDB does provide flexibility to its tenants in the subletting of their commercial and industrial premises. At present, HDB allows its tenants to sublet up to 50% of their premises. The present rule is liberal enough and should be of help to tenants who have excess space.

With regard to shop-cum-dwelling units (that means, shops on the ground floor, and another unit on the upper floor), HDB does not allow dwelling units to be used for other purposes as this is generally not catered for in the design of the units, and the surrounding infrastructure and facilities. It may also cause increased disamenity to the residents in the area.