Tan Kiat How on managing disturbances caused by rental HDB flats after relaxed occupancy cap

Over the past five years, instances of feedback relating to nuisance caused by tenants renting HDB flats or bedrooms made up only 1.5 per cent of the total feedback on nuisances from neighbours, said Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How. Replying to MPs’ questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 9), he said HDB will first try to mediate between the parties for such disputes. Should the parties require additional mediative assistance, they should tap on Government initiatives such as the inter-agency Community Dispute Management Framework and the Community Mediation Centre, which provide facilitated mediation sessions that can help parties reach mutually-acceptable solutions. Finally, in instances where tenants cause serious dis-amenities, HDB will take firm action by revoking the approval for the rental of the flat or bedrooms. Over the past five years, HDB has taken action against an average of 115 cases of unauthorised renting a year, including cases where flat owners have breached the occupancy cap. Mr Tan said the relaxation of the occupancy cap is a temporary measure that will be in place for three years to better meet near-term rental demand. The Government will continue to monitor the demand and supply, as well as residents’ feedback on dis-amenities. These will be taken into consideration when it looks into whether the relaxed occupancy cap should be extended beyond 2026, he said.