Renting Out an HDB Flat
Can I rent out my HDB flat?
Singapore citizen owners can rent out their whole HDB flat once they have met the minimum occupation period, with HDB's approval, for at least 6 months at a time. Plus and Prime flats can never be rented out whole. Renting to non-Malaysian non-citizens is limited by a Non-Citizen quota of 8% per neighbourhood and 11% per block.
Key facts
- Who can rent out the whole flat
- Singapore citizen owners only; PR owners can't
- When
- After the 5-year MOP (3 years for non-subsidised flats bought before 30 August 2010)
- Plus and Prime flats
- Whole-flat rental not allowed, even after the 10-year MOP
- Minimum rental period
- 6 months per application; no short-term rentals
- Maximum approval
- 3 years if all tenants are Singaporeans or Malaysians; 2 years otherwise
- Non-Citizen quota
- 8% of a neighbourhood and 11% of a block, for non-Malaysian non-citizen tenants
- Maximum tenants
- 4 (1- and 2-room), 6 (3-room), 8 (4-room and bigger; 6 for rentals beyond 31 Dec 2028)
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: HDB.
How renting out an HDB flat works
HDB flats are meant for owners to live in, so renting out is allowed only under HDB’s rules and with its written approval each time.
| Rule | Whole flat | Spare bedrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Owner citizenship | Singapore citizen | Citizen or PR |
| When | After the MOP | With approval, in 3-room or bigger flats (3Gen flats: not during the MOP) |
| Plus and Prime flats | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Non-Citizen quota | Applies | Doesn’t apply |
The Non-Citizen quota
The quota stops foreigner enclaves forming in HDB estates. If it has been reached, only Singaporeans and Malaysians can rent a whole flat in that block or neighbourhood. It doesn’t apply if the family renting includes at least one Singaporean and all unrelated tenants are Singaporeans or Malaysians.
Example
You own a 4-room Standard flat and have met the 5-year MOP. You want to rent it to two engineers from India on Employment Passes. You first check the Non-Citizen quota for your block and neighbourhood. If it hasn’t been reached, you apply to HDB, and can be approved for up to 2 years, with a minimum of 6 months. Your property tax moves to non-owner-occupier rates.
Common mistakes
- Renting out short-term. Short-term rentals, such as to tourists, aren’t allowed.
- Not checking the quota first. It can stop you renting to non-Malaysian foreigners.
- Leaving tenants unmanaged. You are responsible for your tenants’ conduct, and must appoint an attorney if you live overseas.
Frequently asked questions
Can PR owners rent out rooms?
Yes. Both citizen and PR owners can rent out spare bedrooms, with HDB approval, in 3-room or bigger flats. Only whole-flat rental is limited to citizens.
Does the Non-Citizen quota apply to room rentals?
No. The quota applies only to renting out the whole flat.
Who can be a tenant?
Singapore citizens, PRs, and non-citizens legally in Singapore on passes such as Employment Passes, S Passes, Work Permits, Student Passes, Dependant Passes or Long-Term Social Visit Passes, valid for at least 6 months. Tourists can't rent HDB flats.
Does renting out change my property tax?
Yes. HDB notes that property tax is revised when you rent out your flat, as the home is no longer owner-occupied.
Related terms
Sources
Every figure on this page was checked against the official government sources above on 6 Nov 2026. See our editorial policy.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice.