Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on infringements on occupancy cap for private residential properties

Sep 2, 2019

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Minister for National Development:
(a) how many cases of illegal rental in illegally partitioned apartment units that exceed the occupancy cap have been caught in the past three years; and
(b) what are the penalties for parties involved in the abetment of such offences.

Answer:

The occupancy cap for private residential properties was tightened from eight to six persons in 2017.  Since then, URA has detected and enforced against approximately 800 such infringements. 

The penalties for exceeding the occupancy cap are calibrated according to the severity of the offence.  For example, for marginal breaches, URA may issue a composition fine of up to $5,000.  For more serious cases, URA will seek stiffer penalties through prosecution.  Any person found guilty can be fined up to $200,000 or face imprisonment of up to 12 months. 

In situations where property agents are involved in abetting the offence, URA and CEA will take action, which could include debarring the agent for a period of time.  Similarly, MOM will also take enforcement action against errant employers and foreign workers involved in such offences.