Complaints by Residents for HDB Flats Legally Rented Out by Homeowners

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development (a) over the last two years, what has been the number of complaints made by residents on HDB homes that have been legally rented out by home owners; and (b) whether HDB can consider disallowing these units from being rented out when the landlords are unable to address the issues complained of.

Over the last two years, there has been about 600 feedback received each year on alleged nuisance by the subtenants of Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. This is a small percentage of about 1% of the 53,000 flats rented out as of end December 2016.

One of the common pieces of feedback received is on noise nuisance. For such cases, HDB will inform flat owners of the complaint and advise them to remind their subtenants to be considerate. In most cases, the flat owners will resolve the matter quickly. If the situation does not improve, flat owners can consider mediation with the neighbour who complained, avail themselves of the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals, or end the subletting arrangement.