HDB RESTRICTIONS ON AGED PARENTS

Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong asked the Minister for National Development if the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will remove restrictions on the rental of whole HDB units to allow aged parents who opt to stay with their children, to earn extra income.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: HDB flats are meant for owner-occupation. Hence, subletting of whole flat is approved only under certain approved conditions.

Since September 2000, HDB has allowed elderly lessees to sublet their entire flats for additional income, on a case-by-case basis. To ensure that such subletting is neither abused nor fuel excessive demand for HDB flats, HDB has restricted the scheme to applicants who:

(a) Are 65 years and above at the point of application;

(b) Own a 3-room or smaller flat;

(c) Have occupied the flat for at least 25 years; and

(d) Have no outstanding mortgage loan with HDB.

To-date, 131 cases have been approved. HDB will continue to monitor the response to the scheme and fine-tune it if necessary.