Rules tightened so PR flat owners can only seek HDB
approval to sublet for a maximum period of one year.
With immediate effect, Singapore permanent residents who own flats will only be allowed to sublet their HDB flats for one year, down from the current three years.
With immediate effect, Singapore permanent residents who own flats will only be allowed to sublet their HDB flats for one year, down from the current three years.
In a statement, the Housing Board says that subletting rules for PRs have been revised to deter flat owners from buying flats for rent or investment.
Under previous rules, PRs who owned flats were subject to the same set of rules Singapore citizens had to abide by as flat owners.
This meant that they could seek HDB approval to sublet their flats for a maximum of three years if they met the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) requirement.
However, new revisions made to the rules and regulations mean that flat owners with permanent residency will only be allowed to sublet their flats for a maximum of one year, and only if they are doing so for the first time.
Furthermore, applications to extend approvals will be assessed at the end of one year on a case-by-case basis only, with the total period of subletting a flat capped at five years.
Previously, owners could apply to renew the period of subletting upon the expiry of each three-year period, with no cap on the number of renewals and the total period of subletting.
According to the authority, a 2011 crackdown on illegal subletting resulted in the compulsory acquisition of flats owned by a total 18 people.
In total, 56 were penalised for subletting their flats without HDB approval.
HDB also added that PRs should sell their flats if they no longer need the flats for themselves.
In one case, a couple had their flat compulsorily acquired after HDB found that they had been using their executive apartment in Tampines as a lodging house for tourists.
No changes have been made to the rules governing flat ownership by Singapore citizens.
Flat owners should contact HDB to report or ask for more information on subletting.
ljessica@sph.com.sg
Source: AsiaOne Wed, Jul 11, 2012