HDBPRO
Steps Involved in Renting a flat
HDB's Approval Needed To Rent Out the Whole Flat
An HDB flat owner who is a Singapore Citizen* can rent out his whole flat only after he has obtained written approval from HDB. Hence, you may request the flat owner to show you a copy of the approval letter from HDB to rent out their flat. To protect your interest, you are also advised to include a condition in the subletting contract, specifying that the validity of the contract is subject to the flat owner obtaining HDB's approval for subletting.
* An owner who is a Singapore Permanent Resident is not eligible to rent out his flat
Non-Citizen (NC)* Subletting Quota
Non-Malaysian non-citizen subtenants are advised to check if the Non-Citizen Subletting Quota of the block and neighbourhood where the flat is located has reached the limit before entering into any subletting contract. You can use the e-Service on the InfoWEB to enquire if an HDB flat can be rented by non-Malaysian NCs.
*This refers to Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners (excluding Malaysians for both groups).
Proof of Ownership of the Flat
You are advised to ensure that the person whom you are dealing with is the rightful owner of the flat and eligible to sublet his flat. You can do so by requesting the flat owner to show you the printout of HDB’s confirmation of his eligibility.
[Note: Flat owners may print HDB’s confirmation of their eligibility to sublet the whole flat by logging in with their SingPass at “ My HDBPage” > My Flat > Purchased Flat - Subletting > Subletting of Whole Flat.]]
Rent Payment and Deposit
The market practice is for rent to be paid on a monthly basis. The first payment should be made on the day the tenancy commences, while subsequent payments should be done on the same day of each subsequent month. The deposit amount is usually equal to one month's rent for a one-year tenancy contract, and two months' rent for a two-year tenancy contract. This is payable upon signing the tenancy agreement, together with the first month's advance rent. You are advised not to pay more than one month's rent. As proof of payment, you should pay the rental deposit and rents by cheque. You are also advised to move into the flat immediately after collecting the keys.
Disputes Between Subtenants and Flat Owners
Matters relating to subletting tenancy such as the rental amount, payment/ forfeiture of deposits, right to terminate tenancy, subletting periods, etc. are private matters between owners and their subtenants. HDB will not mediate if there is a dispute between owners and their subtenants on these matters. Hence, flat owners and subtenants are advised to read and understand all the terms and conditions in the tenancy agreement carefully before signing it.