ST LETTER : Big pool of flats eligible for subletting

Mar 21, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

Big pool of flats eligible for subletting

I refer to Mr Tan Siew Meng's letter last Sunday, 'More babies? Ease subletting rules'.

Mr Tan commented that there should be more flats available to sublet to young married couples.

Housing Board flats are primarily meant for owner occupation. However, HDB recognises that the flat is also the single most valuable asset for many Singaporeans, and has a value that can be unlocked to provide some supplementary income for flat owners. Renting a flat is also a viable housing alternative for some families.

Hence, HDB allows flats to be rented out after the minimum occupation period has been fulfilled.

Under current rules, more than 80 per cent of all home-ownership flats are already eligible for subletting of whole flats. Thus, there is no need to relax the rules further.

Other than renting an entire flat, young couples have other affordable options, such as staying with their parents or relatives, or renting a bedroom from flat owners, while waiting for their new flat to be ready. We thank Mr Tan for the feedback.

Foo-Ho Yoke Ming (Mrs)
Deputy Director (Branch Operations)
Housing & Development Board