Monitoring Unauthorised Subletting by Foreign Nationals or HDB Rental Tenants via Print or Social Media

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for National Development besides routine inspections, spot checks and information provided from reports to HDB through its hotline or other means, whether HDB actively monitors the advertisements on printed or social media for suspected cases of unauthorised subletting by foreign nationals or subsidised public housing rental tenants.

Sold HDB flats are primarily meant for owner-occupation. Owners must physically occupy their flat during the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) before they can sell their flat on the open market, rent out their flat or acquire an interest in private property. Eligible owners must obtain HDB's approval before they can rent out their flat.

Public rental flats are heavily subsidised and are meant for low-income and vulnerable households who have no other housing options. Therefore, only authorised tenants and occupiers are allowed to occupy public rental flats. The subletting of public rental flats, wholly or partially, is strictly prohibited.

HDB detects possible cases of unauthorised renting out of flats through a range of methods, including but not limited to monitoring of advertisements and following up on public feedback. HDB takes the violation of its rules and regulations seriously and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant owners and tenants.