HDB steps up enforcement against unauthorised subletting

59 flat owners are alleged to have violated the subletting rules.

As a result of HDB's stepped up efforts against unauthorized subletting, a total of 2,600 checks were conducted on HDB flats in the first five months of this year. HDB took compulsory acquisition (CA) action against four flat owners for unauthorised subletting. Another six cases of unauthorized subletting were made to pay a penalty, according to a Housing and Development Board report.

The checks on 2,600 HDB flats represent a four-fold increase compared with the 690 inspections carried out in the last five months (Aug to Dec 2009). Of these, 1,860 cases arose from HDB’s routine inspections, while 740 cases were based on feedback from members of the public.

Close to 2,300 cases are found to be in order. Investigation is still on-going for the remaining 300 cases. Of these, 59 cases are suspected to have infringed the subletting rules.

The four flat owners who had their flats compulsorily acquired by HDB did not occupy the flats they bought and sublet without HDB’s approval. One of the flat owners found himself locked out of his own home when he allowed a moneylender to illegally sublet his flat and use the rent collected as repayment.

There also have been cases of flat owners who try to circumvent HDB’s rules by locking up one room and subletting the rest of the flat without physically staying in the flat. Such cases will be treated as unauthorized subletting of flats if home owners did not meet the minimum occupation period and did not seek HDB's approval to sublet their flats.

HDB takes a serious view of unauthorized subletting and cautions home-owners against allowing moneylenders to use their flats for illegal activities. Flat owners are also reminded to seek HDB’s approval if they intend to sublet their flats. They must also register their subtenants if they sublet rooms.