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Singaporean MPs express concern over temporary easing of restrictions on large HDBs and private land occupancy

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Singapore HDB Apartments in the Punggol area of ​​Singapore.

Lawmakers expressed concerns about the temporary relaxation of occupancy limits for HDB flats and private housing. (Photo: Getty) (via savantermedia, Getty Images)

SINGAPORE — Members of Parliament (MPs) from both Houses of Parliament have raised questions in parliament about the government’s move to temporarily ease occupancy limits for large Housing Development Board (HDB) flats and private housing.

The temporary relaxation, which starts from January 22, 2024, will allow owners of HDB flats with four or more rooms and private residences of at least 90 square meters to rent out their accommodation to up to eight unrelated parties. This is an increase from the current limit of six unrelated persons.

MPs’ questions included concerns about the potential for increased occupancy and increased levels of neighborhood conflict and community discomfort, as well as the rationale for easing the cap.

In response, Senior Minister for National Development Tan Kiat How told Parliament on Tuesday, January 9, that this measure was necessary to help increase rental supply. He said that while rents for public and private housing have shown signs of stabilization recently, the ministry expects rental demand to “remain strong” in the short term.

“By increasing supply, we aim to ease pressure on the rental market and control overall rents,” Mr Tan said.

Concerns about violating occupancy limits, increasing neighborhood conflicts, and lack of amenities.

Concerning the potential for breaching occupancy caps and increasing conflicts with neighbors and community discomfort, Mr Tan said the government was taking steps to alleviate such issues. This includes non-national quotas of 8% in HDB areas and 11% in HDB blocks, as well as restrictions on non-Malaysian work permit holders in the construction, marine and process sectors from renting HDB apartments and rooms. included.

Mr Tan revealed that as of November 2023, approximately 58,000 HDB apartments were fully rented. This represents about 5% of the approximately 1 million HDB apartments sold island-wide. Of these, 16% are rented out to six unrelated tenants, approximately 90% of whom are non-residents, most of whom are in their 20s to 40s.

Mr Tan also reminded MPs that HDB regulates the rental of HDB flats and bedrooms. The minister said this was done to minimize inconvenience and “maintain the Singaporean character of HDB properties”.

Under current regulations, HDB apartment owners must obtain HDB approval before renting out their apartments or rooms. The regulator also carries out regular inspections to ensure that owners and tenants are complying with the terms of their approval and are not causing significant detriment to the public.

On the issue of potential friction between neighbors and tenants, Mr Tan said HDB has adopted a conciliatory approach, reminding apartment owners and tenants not to cause nuisance to others. He said he was giving advice.

“In cases where parties require additional mediation support, there is an inter-agency community dispute management framework or community mediation that provides facilitated mediation sessions to help parties reach mutually acceptable solutions.” We encourage them to take advantage of government initiatives such as the Centre.”

“If a tenant causes serious inconvenience, HDB will take decisive action, including canceling the rental approval for the apartment or bedroom,” Tan said.

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