Occupancy cap for rentals of 4-room, larger HDB flats to be reduced to 6 persons
From 1 May, the occupancy cap for 4-room and larger HDB flats being rented out will be reduced to six persons, from the current maximum of nine persons, said the Housing Development Board (HDB) in a statement on Thursday (1 February).
“The changes seek to minimise disamenities caused by overcrowding, and to maintain a conducive living environment in our public housing estates,” said the HDB.
The new policy is in line with the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) cap of six persons for private residential properties which are rented out. This means that HDB flat owners renting out their flats or bedrooms to unrelated persons (who are not from the same family unit) will need to adhere to the new occupancy cap of six.
For 3-room and smaller flats, the cap remains unchanged at six persons and four persons, respectively.
The revised rule will take effect for new and renewal applications submitted from 1 May.
Currently, flat owners who intend to rent out their flat are required to seek HDB’s approval before the commencement of the tenancy.
Flat owners and rental commercial property tenants who plan to rent out their bedroom(s) and living quarters have to register within seven days from the start date of the tenancy. Owners of HDB commercial properties are not required to do so.
From 1 May, all flat owners, commercial property owners and tenants, are required to seek HDB’s approval before the commencement of the tenancy.
