Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on over-crowding in HDB flats
Feb 19, 2018
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: To ask the Minister for National Development how does HDB determine what qualifies as over-crowding in HDB flats and whether Minimum Space Standards, or similar objective criteria, can be published to improve transparency.
Answer:
As HDB flats primarily serve to meet the housing needs of flat owners and their family members, there is no limit imposed on the number of family members who can live together in an HDB flat.
However, HDB imposes an occupancy cap on flats which are rented out to unrelated persons, to minimise the disamenities caused by overcrowding, and to maintain a conducive living environment in our public housing estates.
HDB reviews the occupancy cap from time-to-time to ensure that it remains relevant. Currently, the cap is 4 persons for 1- and 2-room flats, 6 persons for 3-room flats, and 9 persons for 4-room and larger flats. From 1 May 2018, the occupancy cap for 4-room and larger flats will be reduced to 6 persons, in line with the rule for private residential properties. These rules are published on HDB InfoWeb.
Appropriate action will be taken against the flat owners if the number of tenants exceeds the occupancy cap.