Is there a reason that the word “subletting” is used? Well, when you’re a tenant, and you rent out that property to someone else, that’s subletting. It applies to HDB flats because we’re technically leasing the property from HDB (a 99-year lease, remember?).
Because HDB still makes our rules, we need prior approval to sublet the whole flat.
For subletting bedrooms, we need to register the subletting with HDB within a week of doing so. And continue to live in the flat. (and other conditions.)
Anyone — Singaporean, Permanent Resident, foreigner — may rent a flat or room.
Subletting Whole Flat
- Singapore Citizen owner only
- 5-year Minimum Occupation Period fulfilled
- apply for approval from HDB
Also allowed:
- living in employer’s quarters
- going overseas to work/study
- owners and occupiers need care
- because of illness OR
- hospitalised for more than six months
- orphaned minor (under 21)
- guardian or public trustee may sublet whole flat.
Responsibilities:
- ensure eligible subtenants
- no overcrowding
- informing Comptroller of Property Tax and HDB
- resume occupation of flat upon termination or ineligibility
Non-Citizen Subletting Quota
Applying only to subletting a whole flat, there is a limit to the number of non-Malaysian subtenants.
Once that’s hit, we can only rent to Singapore Permanent Residents and Malaysians.
(this is similar to the Singapore Permanent Resident Quota in buying HDB flats.)
Subtenants
- Singaporeans
- Singapore Permanent Residents
- foreigners
- Long-Term Social Visit, Student’s Pass
- Employment, S, Dependant’s Pass, Entrepass
- Work Permit
- construction, marine and process sectors must be Malaysian
(Negligent homeowners:
- two of three diligence checks
- fine not exceeding $6,000 and/or
- imprisonment not exceeding 12 months.
Reckless homeowners:
- no diligence checks
- knowingly harbouring over-stayers / illegal immigrants
- fine not exceeding $6,000 and
- imprisonment six months to two years.)
Tourists not allowed.
Maximum number:
- four occupants — 1/2-room flats
- six occupants — 3-room and bigger
(private property is max six, and ten square metres per occupant.)
Subtenants cannot be tenants/owners unless:
- divorced / legally separated (only one party)
- eligible (approved by HDB)
- Executive Condominium 5-year Minimum Occupation Period met.
Rental period
More than six months…
Singaporean or Malaysian — maximum three years
Permanent Resident and non-Malaysian foreigner — maximum two years
Then reapply for approval or renew the application. $20.
Subletting Bedrooms
Bedrooms. Bedrooms. Bedrooms. Only bedrooms are allowed to be sublet. Bedrooms.
To a maximum of six people in a flat (everyone included),
- 3-room — 1 bedroom
- 4-room and bigger — 2 bedrooms
1/2-room flats? No subletting.
No living room, no household shelters, no utility rooms. BEDROOMS only.
No prior approval needed, register with HDB and update in seven days or:
- fine, maximum $3,000
- Repeat offenders, HDB can compulsorily acquire flat.
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Image of Pinnacle@Duxton by Cedric Yong from Pixabay.
