Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on causes of overcrowding in some HDB rental flats

Oct 6, 2020

Mr Murali Pillai: To ask the Minister for National Development whether a study can be commissioned to ascertain the causes of overcrowding amongst residents in some HDB public rental flats and identify solutions to address this problem.

Answer:

Less than 10% of rental households have more than four members. HDB has been looking into how we can help larger rental households. Larger households are generally those with more children, or with extended family members staying with them for mutual care and support. 

Families that form two nuclei, such as grandparents staying with parents and children, can apply for two rental flats, and can ask for the flats to be in the same block. On a case-by-case basis, some larger families may be offered a 3-room rental flat, subject to vacancies. 

We will continue to study and explore further options to help rental households of all sizes, in close partnership with MSF. For example, under ComLink, government agencies and community organisations work together to help rental households attain stability and social mobility. HDB has also set up the Home ownership Support Team to provide greater support to rental households who are ready to buy a flat, especially families with children. This includes advising them on their housing budget and options, the grants and schemes available, and guiding them through the flat-buying process.