From 1 May 2018, the occupancy cap for 4-room and larger HDB flats being rented out will be reduced to six persons, from the current maximum of nine persons. The cap for 3-room and smaller flats remains unchanged at 6 persons and 4 persons respectively. All flat owners must also obtain HDB’s prior approval before renting out their flats or bedrooms. The changes seek to minimise disamenities caused by overcrowding, and to maintain a conducive living environment in our public housing estates.

Revisions to Occupancy Cap

2     In line with URA’s cap of six persons for private residential properties which are rented out, HDB flat owners renting out their flats or bedrooms to unrelated persons (who are not from the same family unit) will need to adhere to the new occupancy cap of six.

3     This cap will also apply to all living quarters of commercial properties that are being rented out. The cap will take effect for all new and renewal applications submitted from 1 May 2018. A summary of the revised caps is appended:

Table 1: Occupancy Cap for HDB Flats, Bedrooms, and Living Quarters Being Rented Out

4     For cases approved before 1 May 2018, the revised cap will apply upon renewal of the arrangement to rent out or when there are changes in the occupants. New occupants cannot be included if the occupancy cap has been reached.

Prior Approval Required for Renting Out Bedroom(s) and Living Quarters

5     Currently, flat owners who intend to rent out their flat are required to seek HDB’s approval before the commencement of the tenancy. Flat owners and rental commercial property tenants¹ who intend to rent out their bedroom(s) and living quarters need to register within seven days from the start date of the tenancy. Owners of HDB commercial properties are not required to do so. From 1 May 2018, all flat owners, as well as all commercial property owners and tenants, will be required to seek HDB’s approval before the commencement of the tenancy.

6     This measure will help ensure that the eligibility conditions are met before the tenancy commences.

7     Applications to rent out HDB flats, bedrooms or living quarters of commercial properties may be submitted online via HDB’s e-services. The outcome of the application will be made known immediately. An administrative fee is payable with each application, at $10 per bedroom or $20 for the whole flat rented out. To apply to rent out living quarters (whole or partial) in commercial properties, the administrative fee is $100 per application.

Enquiries

8     For enquiries, the public can contact the HDB Branch Service Line at 1800-225-5432 or the Commercial Properties Enquiry Line at 1800-866-3073 between Monday and Friday, 8am to 5pm.

9     Flat owners, as well as commercial owners and tenants, are advised to adhere to the occupancy cap and to seek approval before finalising their tenancy arrangements. Enforcement action will be taken against any infringement.