Quota Set by HDB on Subletting of Whole Flats to Non-Singaporeans
The Housing and Development Board has just announced that a new quota system will be introduced into the subletting system to non-citizen subtenants and the new policy is passed down with immediate effect.
The quota is set as per below
The quota is set as per below
- 8% per neighbourhood
- 11% per block
Owners who wish to lease their units will have to make sure both quotas are not exceeded before subletting their whole flat. The new policy will apply to all flat subletting applications with immediate effect.
Too Much Foreigners in Some Towns
The HDB are seeing more foreigners renting whole units especially in area like Central area, Clementi, Jurong West, Queenstown and Sengkang. The current move on the quota system is to prevent foreigners formation enclave in estates and they are trying to maintain Singaporean character of the heartlands.
Who are Not Affected by New Policy ?
The new quota system applies to all foreigners, except Malaysians. Meaning that owners are still able to sublet whole units to Malaysians. The exception is made for Malaysian as HDB said they could integrate better into our estates due to cultural and historical similarities with Singaporeans.
Owners that are currently subletting their whole units to foreigners will be allowed to continue with the rental with HDB's approval for the remaining approved duration. However, if the duration is more than one and a half years, it will be reduced to one and a half years from the data of inclusion.
Also, owners that are subletting rooms as a source of additional income, especially the elderly and low-income households will not be affected by the new policy
How to Check if Quota is Exceeded ?
A new e-Service (Currently not up yet) will be available on HDB InfoWEB for public to check if a flat can be sublet to Non-citizens. The information will be updated monthly on the first day of each month and valid for the entire calendar month.
Maximum Allowable Subletting Duration for Owners
- Singaporeans & Malaysians - three years
- Non-Citizens (except Malaysians) - one and a half years
Unauthorise subletting of the HDB flat is a serious infringement of the lease and HDB will take firm action against flat owners which could include a fine and compulsory acquisition of the flat. Public can call 1800 555 6370 between Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 5pm for more enquiries.
Source:
HDB Website
Todayonline
Channel NewsAsia
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