Q&A: Renting Out Your HDB Before MOP
Q1: Can I rent out my entire HDB flat before completing MOP?
❌ No. Renting out the whole flat is strictly prohibited until the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is fulfilled. Exceptions may apply if you are posted overseas for work, but HDB approval is required.
Q2: Can I rent out individual rooms before MOP?
✅ Yes, if you own a 3-room or larger flat and are a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR). You must occupy at least one bedroom yourself, and each rental must be for a minimum of six months.
Q3: What are the rules for Prime and Plus HDB flats?
❌ Even after a 10-year MOP, owners of Prime and Plus flats cannot rent out the entire flat. Bedroom rentals still follow standard regulations.
Q4: Who can rent my HDB flat or room?
- Singapore Citizens
- Singapore Permanent Residents
- Non-citizens legally residing in Singapore with valid Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, Student Pass, Dependant Pass, or Long-Term Social Visit Pass (≥6 months validity)
- Construction, marine, and process sector Work Permit holders must be Malaysians
- Tourists cannot rent HDB flats or rooms
Q5: How many tenants can I have?
- 1- and 2-room flats: up to 4 occupants
- 3-room flats: up to 6 occupants
- 4-room and larger flats: up to 8 occupants
Includes owners, authorised occupiers, and tenants
Q6: What are the non-citizen quota restrictions?
- 8% at neighbourhood level, 11% at block level for non-Malaysian non-citizens renting entire flats
- Quotas do not apply to bedroom rentals
Q7: Can tenants be owners of other HDBs or ECs?
❌ No, unless divorced/separated or if the tenant is eligible to rent out their own HDB under specific conditions.
Q8: What happens if I don’t register my tenants?
❌ They cannot register the address as their residence, which may lead to compliance issues.
Q9: Are there special rules for overseas work postings?
✅ Owners may request HDB approval to rent out the entire flat while posted overseas. The rental period will not count toward MOP. Always check with HDB directly.
🔢 HDB Rental Rules Infographic
- 🏠 Whole-flat rental: Only allowed after completing MOP (5 years standard; 3 years for pre-2010 non-subsidised flats).
- 🛏️ Bedroom rental: Allowed before MOP for 3-room or larger flats; owner must occupy ≥1 bedroom.
- 👥 Maximum tenants: 1-2R = 4; 3R = 6; 4R+ = 8.
- 🌏 Eligible tenants: SC, SPR, valid work/student pass holders; tourists not allowed.
- 📜 Approval needed: HDB approval required for bedroom rentals and any exceptions.
- ⚖️ Prime/Plus flats: Cannot rent out whole flat even after 10-year MOP.
- 🚫 Unregistered tenants: Cannot register address; non-compliance may incur penalties.
- ✈️ Overseas work: May request whole-flat rental; period not counted toward MOP.
✅ Summary Highlights
- ✅ Renting entire flat before MOP is prohibited, except with special HDB approval for overseas work.
- ✅ Bedroom rentals allowed for 3-room or larger flats; standard lease ≥6 months.
- ✅ Eligible tenants include SC, SPR, and non-citizens with valid passes; tourists excluded.
- ✅ Prime/Plus flats have stricter rules; whole-flat rental never allowed.
- ✅ Non-citizen quotas apply at neighbourhood and block levels for whole-flat rentals.
Call to Action:
Check your eligibility and register tenants via HDB e-Services before renting out your flat or bedroom. Always confirm with HDB if planning overseas postings to ensure compliance.