Introduction
In recent months, Singapore has rolled out new rules and regulations for renting out one’s HDB or Private Property. To save you time, we have categorised this article into HDB & Private, please click on the relevant link below to jump right into the subject of your interest:
HDB Rental
New Rule:
From 1st January 2017, you can no longer rent your whole HDB to non-Malaysian work permit holders from the manufacturing sector. You will only be allowed to rent out your rooms to these people.
I am currently renting out my entire HDB to non-Malaysian work permit holders from the manufacturing sector. Will this new rule affect me?
Yes. With this new rule, you will not be able to renew the lease with your existing tenants who are non-Malaysia work permit holders from the manufacturing sector.
Can I rent my entire HDB to non-Malaysia work permit holders from other sectors?
You are not allowed to rent the entire flat to non-Malaysian tenants who hold work permit from construction, manufacturing, marine, and process sectors.
Can I rent out my entire HDB to a company?
Yes. You can rent out the entire HDB to a company but you have to ensure the occupiers or the company’s employees residing in your HDB must have valid passes and the new rule applies.
Since I cannot rent out an entire flat to non-Malaysian work permit holders from construction, manufacturing, marine, and process sectors, can I rent out all my rooms through individual room rental?
No. There are maximum numbers of bedrooms you can sublet based on your flat type. For a HDB 3-room, you can only rent out 1 room. For HDB 4-room and bigger, you can only rent out a maximum of 2 rooms.
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To maximise rental income, there are landlords circumventing the rules and regulations. You are strongly advised not to circumvent the rules and regulations. HDB does conduct regular checks to take enforcement action against unauthorised subletting and it’s not worth the risk.
For your information, the above FAQs are answered based on the assumption that you are eligible to rent out your HDB. If you have further questions regarding the new rules, do let us know by using the comment form below or you may check out HDB for detailed rules and regulations on renting your HDB.
Private Condominium / Eligible Executive Condominium
New Rule:
Announced by Minister Lawrence Wong on 6 Feb 2017, it is now officially illegal to rent out whole unit or rooms for a period of less than 3 months, unless approved by Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Also, you can only rent to a maximum of 6 unrelated tenants in a private condominium / executive condominium, down from the previous maximum of 8 unrelated tenants.
This new rule will take effect on 15 May 2017. On and after 15 May 2017, private residential properties can only be rented out to no more than six unrelated persons. However, existing tenancies that accommodate seven or eight persons will be allowed to run their course until the cut-off date of 15 May 2019. After this two-year transition period, the occupancy cap of six unrelated persons will apply regardless of any existing tenancy agreements.
What are unrelated tenants?
At this point of writing, we are unable to find the official definition of “unrelated tenants”, if you know the official definition, do let us know. We will also update this once we have it. Before that, from our understanding from the ground, “unrelated tenants” refers to colleagues, friends, or complete strangers etc. And that would mean “related” refers to family members, i.e., related by blood, marriage, adoption or legal guardianship.
Can I rent out to a family with more than 6 members?
Yes. The occupancy guideline does not apply if the entire unit is occupied by a family with no subletting involved. Reference: https://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/guidelines/development-control/change-use-premises/sections/yv-Permissible-Uses/Landed-Housing/subletting
Can I rent out to a family with more than 6 members, including a domestic helper?
Yes. The domestic helper has to be directly employed by the family.
Can I rent out property with 3 months lease and have a clause that allows early termination?
We are aware that there some landlords renting out their private property with the minimum contractual terms of 3 months lease but added an no penalty early termination clause to circumvent short-term leasing. We strongly advise against that as there are risks involved. Plus, these risks outweighs the rental income you can get from the short term rental.
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So, if you are still using AirBnb or doing short rental, it is time for you to move into long-term leasing. You do not want to be penalised for unauthorised rental, it’s simply not worth it.
Edwin Goh
With his love for numbers and data, Edwin has provided valuable insights to his clients and readers to empower them to make better-informed real estate decisions.
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Hi, i’m the owner of a HDB flat, currently rent out a room to a PR tenant, can i evict this tenant within 24 hrs for nusiance cause by this tenant? nusiance cause e.g closing of doors heavily, my wife got a shock because of this, dragging of foot/thumping like he’s marching while walking (heavy walking) washing of clothes, all this are done in the middle of the night from 12a.m to 2a.m. i’ve numerous time spoken to him, be considerate as there are also other tenants & resident living beside me & below me, it seems my advise deem unperturbed, although my tenant agreement did not state this nusiance/inconsiderate/intolerable cause by this tenant, can i evict within 24 hrs. & forfeit his deposit within 24 hrs? Need your advise
Hi,may i know the work permit manufacturing sector can stay at condominiums ?
Is legal ?
Hi,
My landlord has a taken FDW in my address even though I have taken my whole unit for rent. He did not reveal this to me. When I applied for FDW, it got rejected. He changed his address later. But after few months he again changed it back. Am I the rightful party to take an FDW in this address? What action can i take? Please advice
Hi,
I am staying with my family of 6 person (Myself + My wife + just born baby + my brother + my sister in law + just born baby + my nephew)
I want to process 1 helper to stay with us.
Is consider 7?
Regards
Gyan Shukla
Hi Edwin, Are this new rules apply to landed property? I’ve 5 room in my landed
Hi, I have rented a common room on 7 April and I have signed 1year contract. But because of some issue, I need to move out after stay for 6 months. Can i check, will I be fined of breech contracts? I suppose to move out on 7 Oct but the owner want me to move out on 29 Sept ( which is not totally 6 months stay). What will going happen to me? As I have rent another rooms which I will move in on 29 Sept.
Thank you
Does this new rules and regulations effect landed property? Does landed property able rent 7 Malaysian? 3 out of 7 is Singapore PR, other is S pass and WP holder. Thanks
Any update on this article especially on “related and unrelated” issue
We are a family of 4 (husband, wife, 2 small kids)
1. We want to rent a 3BR HBD or condo unit, how many more related or u related people we can let into our unit?
2. My cousin is renting a spacious 2BR condo unit. A family of 3 (unrelated to us) is occupying the other room, can we still live with on my cousin’s room?
Hi. Can i rent a condo if i already owned a hdb flat?
Hi if I’m renting out an HDB room to my tenant, is it allowed for her overseas friend to visit her and stay over in her room once a while (once a month)? No money is involved.
Hi Edwin,
May I ask a few questions.
I am a Spass holder and I’d like to rent HDB whole flat. I have only 2 tenants (S pass holders) including me for 3 rooms flat.
(1) Can I sign with 2 tenants and other than that can I sublet 2 more people for the other room?
(2) Do I need to inform landlord about subletting room before the contract start? If landlord does not agree, can I not sublet the room and cannot sign the contract?
(3) There is a small utility room and can I rent it out? Is it legal or not? Also, need landlord agreement for rent the room?
Thank you and waiting for your advice.
we are rented 3 rooms flat and understand that max is 6 persons. Currently total 5 persons are stay. if one of our family member come for short visit (e.g wife + baby). Is consider 7 ?
Hi, I’m Malaysian holding wp service planning to rent a whole Hdb unit with friends, which are Taiwanese holding wp service. Is there any rules and regulations I should get familiar with before doing so? And how should we proceed to the tenancy agreement for my friends might reach few weeks later but we need to get the rent going sooner. Thanks.
Would it be okay if my parents come on a short term visit pass and stay with me and my wife in our rented condo? What rules are applied here?
Hi, my company would like to rent a private condo unit for 2 of our staff to stay who are on work pass for 1 year. Do you know where I can get a tenancy agreement template for this pls? Thank you
Hi, the landlord will provide the tenancy agreement.
I move in last feb then I haven’t signed any contract. Then I want to move in now to another place because the place exceed the maximum require pax. We are 11 person now in the house. The main tenant refuse to allowed me to move in and insisting of one month notice. In the first hand I don’t have any tenancy agreement signed. Then how can i secure my deposit if refused to return?
May I know the maximum number of tenant includes the head count for new born baby too?
Example: Me and my wife + 1.6 year old baby + 3 months old new born, 2 couple of friends want to rent 4 room flat (with 3 bed rooms).
Does it over HDB new policy of tenant ?
Thanks.
Hi, technically, you would exceed the maximum number of people allowed to rent a HDB. You may contact HDB for further clarification. Their website: https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/homepage and contact number for rental matters: 1800-225-5432.
Hi Edwin,
Id like to seek advise from you.
I am an Spass holder and I happen to rent a room without subletting authorization.
I happen to befriends with the owner of the house who also lives in the same flat with me.
My concern is, one of the tenants threatened to report the illegal subletting of the room.
Am I also going to be in trouble when I will be found renting the room illegally?
Kindly adive. Thanks!
hello, i am an s pass holder and my friend is coming here to work from my country. She ask me about her room becaue the condo is a 7 room unit. 3 rooms good for 3 to 4 person. 4 rooms good for 2 person. it that possible?
Hi Khiv,
Regardless of the size and number of rooms in a private condominium, the maximum non-related individuals allowed is 6.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
I’m a spass holder and I moved into the room this Mar’18.
Last monday I gave one month notice to owner to move out since the room is too hot to stay.
She asked me to prepare the letter stating my reasons to move out within one month.
Also she said my deposit is forfeited cos I didn’t fulfill minimum six months stay required by HDB.
Again, she commented I still need to compensate six months rental fee.
Our tenancy agreement doesn’t state the minimum rental period is six month but she asked me to sign on HDB regulations.
1) She has the right to forfeit my deposit?
2) Do I really need to pay six month rental fees?
3) Do I really need to prepare such kind of letter?
4) How to get back my security deposit.
Hi,
First of all, is your tenancy agreement approved by HDB? You may want to call HDB directly to seek assistance.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi, i want to rent out my HDB which i bought in year 2016. we are Singapore PR and we are moved back to JB last year. the unit was consider fully rent out. we basically locked a utility room as saying we staying there. will it be allowed by HDB? we still went back to the unit for rental collection. but we got register the 3 bedrooms as rental income to IRAS. but we are not physical staying in the unit 24/7. will it be k?
Hi Susan,
As a Singapore PR, you are not allowed to rent out your HDB flat. More info is available at http://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/renting-out-a-flat-bedroom/renting-out-your-flat/eligibility.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
I have rented my private condominium unit on a 1yr contract to a company. The company (my tenant) let their employee stay in my unit. Their employee is holding a short term social visit pass for only 1 month. After 1 month, the company may bring another employee to stay. Does this comply with government regulation? Is this considered as subletting by company? Thanks in advance.
Hi Robin,
The occupants have to stay in your condo for at least 6 months and hold a valid pass. As such, your tenant (i.e. the company) has violated the government rental regulation.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi Edwin,
I have rented a HBD room recently. When I moved in, I found out that the room condition is bad and there is a lot of bed bug. After complaining the land lord claimed that she already caled pest control and took care of it. Eventually there are still bed bugs and despite letting her know shes not bother about it. I also found out that Im not registered by her as a tenant. How do I go about this? Which agency I can approach to get my deposit back?
Hi Nesh,
You may approach the landlord’s agent to help in resolving the dispute.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
hi ,
what are the options available if Landlord is not taking calls/ replying for handover after notice of termination given for private condo rental
how and whom to handover if LL does not turn up and I have to leave SG
Hi Randy,
Sorry for late reply. You may contact the landlord’s agent for assistance. If you are unable to contact the agent, on the tenancy agreement, you should find the landlord’s corresponding address. You may write to the letter to formally inform him/her of your request.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi,
I would like to know if the tenant needs to pay for the full month rental (eg. 1 Dec to 31 Dec) even though the tenant has already informed the landlord on 15 Nov that he will move out on 14 Dec, which one month notice has been given to the landlord, or the tenant just need to pay for the protated rental for period 1 Dec to 14 Dec?
Thank you
HI!
I am renting whole house and renting out one room.
One of the 16 yr old girl wanna rent. Is it legal to rent to her?
She is not yet 18.
Hi Charlotte,
The 16-year-old girl has to be represented by her guardian.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi,
My landlord is not returning the security deposit, after we did a joint inspection during the handover. She claimed I breach the law, inconvenience caused. Her definition is sometimes i bring visitor without informing. for She said i park my scooter in the living hall. She claimed my the other housemate threaten to move out because of my actions. She said i breach the law!!!! so ya she is not returning my deposit of 1500sgd.
She even ask me to pay for the repair so called “sensitive cable connection” of the dvd player which I never turn it on before. May I ask is there a law to hold my 100% deposit for inconvenience caused as compensation. I paid my rent every month, utilities and no damages done. I have made her signed the joint inspection document too. (In the beginning she refused to meet me for the hand over. She said meet down stairs). i need help. I can smell she is cooking some crap here.
Hi Wendy,
You can file a claim against the landlord via the small court tribunals.
For your convenience, here’s the link for more information of filing the claim: https://www.statecourts.gov.sg/SmallClaims/Pages/GeneralInformation.aspx.
In specific, here’s a guide to tenancy dispute by small court tribunals: https://www.statecourts.gov.sg/SmallClaims/Documents/SCT%20Tenancy%20Toolkit.pdf.
Hope the above information helps you.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi,
I have a signed a 2 years tenancy agreement on 18th Sept. the lease starts from 18th October. I have transferred the security deposit to landlord .
However due to some personal reasons I need to terminate the agreement.
Do I have to pay any penalty to landlord? If yes, how much would be the penalty that I might have to pay?
Hi,
Asingh, do check if there’s any early termination clause in the tenancy agreement. If there is no early termination clause, you may discuss with the landlord regarding your early termination. There is no hard and fast rule to an early termination. In most cases that we have come across, the landlord would require the tenant to find a replacement tenant to take over the remaining lease. There are cases where tenants may provide X months of notice and terminate the contract prematurely. There are cases where tenants can terminate earlier and forfeiting the security deposit. However, in rare cases, the landlord may pursue the tenant for the total rents of the full tenancy period. As such, it is best that you discuss with your landlord and reach an agreement that can be accepted by you and your landlord.
Good luck!
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi Edwin,
thanks for the reply. The TA mentions about the early termination clause after the Lease has started. In my case the agreement is signed but starts from 18th October 2017 only. And the TA has not been stamped either. So I am wondering if the early termination clause still holds true.
Hi Asingh,
The tenancy agreement is legally binding. As such, you should follow the early termination clause in the tenancy agreement.
As a side note, I came across an article “Formation of a legally binding and enforceable contract” which may be relevant for you. Link: https://irblaw.com.sg/2017/03/24/formation-legally-binding-enforceable-contract/.
Hope this information does help you.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Thank you very much 🙂
Just to highlight that the stamping has not been done yet.
Hi ed,
We are having issue with our landlord as she was claiming we did not inform her that my husband will be staying in the flat.contract stipulated 5 tenants any additional need to inform landlord..we did inform via phone now she was claiming shes not aware.basically she wanted us to payrental arrears for my husband stay..what should we do?
2. We have just learned that she didnt register one of stipulated tenant in hdb as well,we were just informed by tenants employer for pass renewal.we are not really sure what would be the impact on us by ths.
Hope you can help us so we know our option.
Hi Mi2,
If discussion fails, you have to based on the tenancy agreement to sort out the dispute. However, if the names of your co-tenant is not recorded in the tenancy agreement, you may check if there’s any written record indicating that your husband will be staying in the rented property. The issue with verbal communication is that it is hard to establish its existence.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Thanks for replying ed.
It seems we are dealing with a difficult LL.
Was wondering if a immediate family should be a consideration,since we didnt sublet the flat and prior the signing of TA we have already agreed that there might be additional 1 pax coming.
Thanks again hopefully the issue can be resolve.
Does a tenancy agreement need to be witnessed to be ‘legal’. If not why does my currrent tenancy include space for witness names and signatures, even though they have not been completed? What if lease is remitted overseas by mail for signature by a non-resident landlord? Will lease still be enforceable by all parties if not executed on Singapore soil?
Hi Alistair
The tenancy agreement needs to be witnessed by an individual when the owner/tenant signed on the tenancy agreement.
For lease from an non-resident landlord, the lease is still enforceable by all parties even if it is not executed on Singapore soil. Please make sure that the signed tenancy agreement is stamped with IRAS.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi Edwin,
Is a partition room legal in a private condo? Thanks
Not recommended.
Hi Edwin,
I have currently rented a whole unit (2 BR) in a condo last year. My current tenure is still valid for next 6 months. Can I sublet 1 of the room with approval of the owner? What should be the minimum tenure of subletting?
Hi,
With landlord’s approval, you may sublet the room to eligible tenant for a period no lesser than 3 months.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Halo, Edwin
I am holding tourist visa at the moment but I am getting my Spass. Am i elligible to rent/stay a room in a private condo?
I’ve signed 3-month contract. How can I check the validation or elligibility of the contract if i feel sonething fishy? Since the contract stated nothing about the landlord or detail but name of the company & phone no. only. The rules can changes anytime and I was once threatened that the company can terminate or change the signed contract anytime.
Your reply will be so much appreciated. Cause I dont know where to consult about this.
Hi Lini,
You can ask for the proof of property ownership from the agent who represents the landlord. Alternatively, you can purchase the information from https://www.sla.gov.sg/inlis/#/. With the proof of ownership, make sure that the name on the tenancy agreement and the proof of ownership document match.
After you and the landlord has signed the tenancy agreement, you can stamp the document with IRAS at https://www.iras.gov.sg/irashome/default.aspx. After stamping the tenancy agreement with IRAS, the tenancy agreement will be legally enforceable.
In general, the terms and conditions of a valid tenancy agreement are rarely changed, and if there are any changes needed, landlord and tenant usually have discussed it and agreed upon it before it supersedes the existing clauses.
Hi, me and my friend had signed a lease for 6 months starting in august. Now, I have not been able to come to Singapore due to visa issues. I had to pay the August month rent and security deposit without even staying in Singapore. There is no clause in the contract regarding cancellation. What happens if I don’t pay the rent for the upcoming month? I willing to let go of my deposit claim
Hi,
AS there is no clause regarding cancellation, it is best for you to discuss with your landlord on the available options. Technically, the landlord has the right to pursue damages against you for failing to fulfill the contractual agreement. However, in most cases, landlord is willing to explore options with you than taking the legal route.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi, I am visiting Singapore on a social visit pass permits me up to 89 days. My friend has permission for me to stay in his apartment which is rented. Is there any law which states that foreign visitors cannot stay in a private property residence and must stay in a hotel when visiting Singapore on a visitor pass. Thank you
Hi Francis,
If you are putting up at a friend’s place with no monetary transaction, it is generally acceptable.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi Edwin,
Can we have 1 unrelated tenant if we are a family of 5 (wife, husband, 4yrs old kid, sister, cousin) plus helper? That would mean 7 pax including the kid & the helper.
Appreciate your response.
Thank you very much.
Hi Irma,
My apologies for taking some time to response as I was traveling. Technically, no. However, you may want to check with URA if you are able to do so given your circumstances. Here’s the link to get in contact with URA: https://www.ura.gov.sg/feedbackWeb/contactus_feedback.jsp?topic=others.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hello,
Is it possible to have 3 main tenants in the same unit.
I rent a whole unit sharing with 2 other friends. Now I’m a main tenant but we all would like to be the main tenants.
Can the landlord change the 2 occupants to be the main tenants?
Thank you.
Hi,
Landlord can enter into 3 separate tenancy agreements with 3 of you. Usually, this would be the case for room rental.
Also, do note that you have to do stamping for each of the tenancy agreements signed.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hello,
I want enquire regarding the new occupancy cap for renting a 4 bedroom condo unit at teresa ville condo located at Lower Delta Road.
Currently we are 8 pax renting the unit. (3 pax related to each other as family, also 3 pax related as family and 2 our close friends).
Accordind to our agent. We cannot renew our contract due the new policy with the maximum 6 pax.
Can you explain to me what is the new policy all about with relation with our situation.
Thank You
Hi Paul,
Based on URA’s guideline as of 15 May 2017, a landlord can only rent out his private condo to a maximum of 6 unrelated occupants. However, you may want to clarify with URA if it is possible for your group to co-rent the private condominium. Here’s the link to get in contact with URA: https://www.ura.gov.sg/feedbackWeb/contactus_feedback.jsp?topic=others.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Can a construction under S pass rent the rooms in the unit?
Hi Michelle,
S-Pass is OK to rent residential properties in Singapore.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Is it acceptable to sign an agreement as per below –
Total rental period is 12 months with minimum stay of 6 months, providing that in Tenancy Agreement the following is mentioned:
“Rental agreement can be terminated without penalty beyond xx date based on the tenant’s notice of termination of the lease, handed in 30 days before the departure date.
The landlord will be compensated ONLY for that part of the agency commission corresponding to the tenancy period that was voided (pro-rated amount)”
Hi,
The clause is generally acceptable.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi Ed,
I am about to enter into a subletting arrangement to lease a condo room from a master tenant.
The condo unit has 2 bedrooms. Master tenant (and her partner) stay in master bedroom while I will be staying in the common room.
The master tenant said she will inform the landlord of this arrangement.
I read from a website that legally there can only be one tenancy agreement with respect to a rented private property, and that ideally all tenants should enter into agreement with the owner only.
Can you please advise what I can do to protect my right as a tenant? Should I ask for a copy of the master tenancy agreement (to ensure they indeed have the right to sublet) and ask for the contact details of the owner?
Also, can the master tenant legally lodge the sublet agreement with the relevant authority?
Thank you!
Is there exit clause for renting a HDB unit for 1 year?
What is the termination notice period?
Hi Patricia,
I assume that the tenancy agreement is between the landlord and tenant, where both are individuals (i.e. the landlord is not HDB). If that is the case, most standard tenancy agreement does come with the exit clause (or early termination). However, the insertion/deletion of exit clause or terms & conditions of exit has to be discussed prior to the commencement of the tenancy (or signing of the tenancy agreement). In the event that the exit clause is not written in the tenancy agreement, the landlord and tenant can negotiate to reach a mutually agreed exit conditions.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi, is new EC under the subletting of 6 unrelated tenants rule or under HDB rule of able to rent up to 2 rooms (or up to 9 occupants for 4 room and above) since EC is still under HDB control before privatised 10 years later?
I called up HDB and the answer provided is to follow the HDB rule. I’m staying in 5 room EC.
Hi Serene,
You can’t go wrong after checking with HDB =)
Regards.
Hi, I know this might be a big topic and slightly off tangent but if someone is subletting a room that I am interested in, what do I need to be wary of / check?
Can also point me to a relevant article / checklist if this has been discussed before.
Hi Joshi,
Based on our interpretation of your statement, we assumed you are the landlord and your tenant would like to further sublet a room. If that’s the case, the checks would be similar to when you sublet your room to that tenant. Basically, the sub-tenant has to be eligible to rent a residential property in Singapore according to HDB/URA rules & regulations. You have to make sure the sub-tenant also fulfill the minimum lease required by the regulatory.
Hope this answers your questions.
Regards,
Edwin Goh
Hi I come across corporate apartment platform that rent out apartments for asset owners on short term basis. Are these in line with URA regulations?
Hi,
There are another class of residential premises called serviced apartments. They can be rented out for a min of 7 days or longer. For details, you may refer to https://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/guidelines/development-control/change-use-premises/sections/guidelines-different-uses/accomodation/accommodation/Serviced%20Apartment.aspx.
Hi Edwin,
Recently I rented a condo from landlord(2Months)
I’m staying alone in master bed room.
now in the condo still have 2 rooms is empty and 1 small utility room is empty.
can I become sublandlord to rent out the 2 empty rooms?
is that legal to rent out the small utility room for stay?
Please Advise.
Thanks
Jacky
Hi Jacky,
Just to be sure about your “2 months”, do you mean you have been renting for 2 months? If that is, it is good. If you are meaning renting for “2 months”, please be reminded that minimum lease for private property is 6 months.
To your question “can you sublet the 2 empty rooms?”, you have to discuss with your landlord and seek his/her permission to sublet the 2 empty rooms. There is no issue renting out the utility room as long as someone is willing to take it. In the event that your landlord agrees to you subletting, please be reminded to sublet to individuals who are eligible to lease a private residential property in Singapore and have the relevant tenancy documents done proper and lodged with relevant authorities.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Cheers!
Hi there Edwin,
What if I put my property on Airbnb but set the minimum stay to 180 days (6 calendar months)? Would that be considered illegal because it’s listed on Airbnb or would it be okay because it fulfills the minimum lease time of 6 consecutive months?
Thank you.
As long as you fulfilled the minimum lease of 6 consecutive months for the same tenancy agreement, there will be no issue. Please be reminded to stamp your tenancy agreement with IRAS.
Hi Edwin,
Just want to clarify cause sometimes I read that the minimum lease cannot be lesser than 3 months and sometimes cannot be lesser than 6 months.
Am working under s pass and my husband Working under wp marine sector
It’s been 2 yrs we both stay separate because of financial issues
But now we decided to stay together but since my husband working in wp ,how to add him in hdb unit
Is there any option that wil let me n my husband stay together ?
Hi, I have few qns below for HBD rental. Hope u can assist me.
1) above mention that if rent whole flat to company, but the company function was either construction, manufacturing, marine, or process sectors. will it be still legal for me to rent?
2) almost same to above qns, instead of company, if i rent whole flat to Malaysian & they then sublet out the house to non-Malaysian who are working in construction, manufacturing, marine, and process sectors. Is it still legal?
3)“Related” refers to family members, i.e., related by blood – related by blood which mean cousin (either side of family) & in-law?
It is the owner’s responsibility to verify that the tenants are eligible to stay in your HDB flat and these includes “sub-tenants”. For example, if the company houses its employee who does not qualify to stay in the HDB flat, it is considered breaching the rules of HDB.
Henceforth, before you lease out your HDB flat to the whoever tenant, you have to explicitly make known to them (i.e. the company) that they have to update you on the individuals who will be staying in your flat and provide you with the individual’s identification documentation for verification.
To your last question, yes, related by blood should include your in-laws and cousin.
Does this rules of max 6 pax applies to students under a single guardianship care? Example as in a pte condominium. As they were under single guardianship, are they consider as related?
Hi Marcus,
Would you be able to elaborate on the term “single guardianship care”? What does the role of the students’ guardian entail? In addition, is the guardianship backed by any form of legal documentation?
Don’t you think it is unfair to allow HDB 4 rooms and bigger to have max of 9 pax, but private (regardless of no. of rooms) only 6. They are not compatible.
Hi Eng Khong, we note your point. However, like you, we are unable to make changes to the rental rules and regulations set by the government =)
I have rented my unit on a 1yr contract in a private condo to a company that sublets it. The company (my tenant) assures me that all their contracts of sublet are for at least 6 months. I request copies of NRICs/Passes of subletting tenants, from which I can see that these people are allowed to be in Singapore.
What other proof do I need to get from my tenant (the company subletting)? What if the ICs send to me are not the ones of the subletting people?
Where does my responsibility stops and where is my tenant (the subletting company) responsibile in order to operate within the new regulations?
Hi Marcus,
You have done a good job to ask for the identification of the occupiers. You may want to cross-check the validity of their identification via:
http://ienquiry.ica.gov.sg/index.do (For NRIC, Student Pass or Long Term Social Visit Pass)
https://wponline.mom.gov.sg/WPOLLoginController?action=WPOLLoginAction&actionType=WPOLNonLogin (For Work permit)
https://eponline.mom.gov.sg/epol/PEPOLUAMT012DisplayAction.do (For S Pass or Employment Pass)
It is also important to match the faces of the identity card owners. In event that you discover that the identity cards do not match the tenants, you have the right to evict “illegal” tenant. For the subletting agreement, you may enforce that all subletting agreement is subjected to your approval to ensure that the subletting agreement does not breach the main tenancy agreement and is in accordance with rental rules and regulations set by Singapore governing agencies. Lastly, if you have done your due diligence, like ensuring the eligibility of tenant to stay in the premises, lease not less than 6 months etc., you would have done your part. Alternatively, you may engage a professional real estate salesperson to handle your rental.
Hi Edwin,
My current tenant wants to extend the existing 6-month tenancy (with 2 months left) by 3 months. Is the new tenancy with 3 months extension considered as short term rental?
Thank you
Hi John,
The extension is OK. But do remember to pay the stamp duties =)
Regards,
Edwin
My husband is working in overseas so now I’m staying with one domestic worker and 2 kids. How many tenent can we have? We have 5 bed rooms. Thanks
As of now, you still can rent out to 4 more pax. We will update this article once URA announce its new rental regulations. So do keep an eye on that.
Hi,why is it that non-Malaysian work permit holders cannot rent entire HDB from other sectors rather than the one you’ve mentioned in the article?
HDB’s rationale is that Malaysian work permit holders can rent HDB flats and rooms “due to the close historical and cultural similarities between Malaysians and Singaporeans.
I have 3 questions and hope that you can let me know the answers as follows :
1. Does the maximum 6 unrelated tenant apply to landed private property?
2. If the existing contract is still running under the old maximum of 8 unrelated tenants does it mean that it is immediately illegal?
3. If the tenant consist of 4 married couples, does it fall under related tenants?
Hi Jasmine, to your questions:
1) The maximum of 6 unrelated tenants applies to all private residential property (including landed property).
2) The existing lease can carry on until your existing tenancy agreement expires. For renewal or new lease, it has to fulfil the new rules. You may want to note that this new rule is not yet effective. Once URA announces its effective date, we will update this article again.
3) “Related” refers to family members, i.e., related by blood, marriage, adoption or legal guardianship. So, the 4 couples must be from the same family to be “Related” tenants.
Does the rule apply to landed property. Can I do short term rental for landed property.
Hi Roger, this rule applies to all private residential properties in Singapore. So, the rule is also applicable to landed property. You may want to also note that the new rules for private residential are not yet effective. Once URA announces the date the new rules will be effective, we will update this article again.