Complaints Received on Residential Rental Discrimination by Age or Race

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry collects data on the number of complaints received on residential rental discrimination by age or race; (b) if so, what has been the annual number for the last five years; and (c) what are the avenues of recourse for Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans when they encounter rental discrimination.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) does not collect and monitor data on complaints received on residential rental discrimination by age or race, as the rental of residential properties in the open market is a private agreement between the property owner and the tenant. HDB is not a party to the tenancy agreement signed between the landlord and the tenant.

Members of the public can lodge a complaint with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) if they come across any potentially offensive or discriminatory advertisements by property agents. CEA's regulatory guidelines require property agents to be sensitive to the multiracial, multi-religious and multicultural nature of Singapore's society. Property agents who fail to comply with these guidelines can be issued a written warning or be subjected to disciplinary action, which may result in financial penalties, suspension or revocation of their licence or registration. Should there be disputes between the flat owners and tenants, the party can seek legal recourse with their own solicitor.