Written answer by Ministry of National Development on steps taken to ensure public rental flats are in sufficiently good living condition

Oct 4, 2023

Question No: 5242

Question by: Ms Mariam Jaafar

To ask the Minister for National Development what steps are being taken to ensure that public rental housing flats are in sufficiently good physical condition for habitation.

Answer:

HDB physically inspects our rental flats and carries out repairs and maintenance promptly when tenants give feedback. While tenants are responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the rental flat as set out in the tenancy agreement, the cost of repairs and maintenance is generally borne fully by HDB, on a goodwill basis.

2.       For rental flats that are vacated and returned to HDB, HDB will carry out sprucing up works, such as cleaning and painting, installing new locks, and repairing or replacing any defective fittings. The flats are inspected after the works are completed, before they are let out to new tenants.

3.       HDB also carries out periodic upgrading programmes for rental flats. Most rental blocks have been upgraded in tandem with upgrading programmes such as the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). As part of HDB’s broader rejuvenation plans, older rental blocks may also be redeveloped while HDB continues to build new rental flats. This allows us to refresh our rental flat stock and offer tenants opportunities to move to newer rental flats, or to buy a sold flat.