新加坡宝典手册_65

HDB's Approval Needed To Sublet Whole Flat

An HDB owner can sublet his whole flat only after he has obtained a written approval from HDB. Hence, you may request the flat owner to show you a copy of the HDB's approval letter to rent out their flat. In addition, to protect your interest, you are advised to include a condition in the subletting contract, specifying that the validity of the contract is subject to the flat owner obtaining HDB's approval for the subletting.

Proof of Ownership of Flat

You are advised to visit the flat you are renting and ensure that the person you are dealing with is the rightful flat owner. You can do so by requesting for documentary proof of flat ownership which includes the Agreement for Lease, service & conservancy charges booklet, annual or loan instalment payment booklet/annual loan statements, bearing the name of the flat owner.

Rental Payment and Deposit

The market practice is for rent to be paid monthly in advance on the day of tenancy commencement and thereafter on the same day of each subsequent month. The amount of rental deposit is usually equal to one month's rent for 1 one-year tenancy and two months' rent for a two-year tenancy. It is payable upon signing the tenancy agreement together with the first month's advance rent. You are advised not to pay more than one month rent and as proof of payment, to pay the rental deposit and rents by cheque. You are also advised to move into the flat immediately after collecting the keys.

Disputes Between Subtenants and Flat Owners

Matters relating to subletting tenancy such as amount of rental, payment/forfeiture of deposits, right to terminate tenancy, periods of subletting etc are private matters between owners and their subtenants. HDB will not mediate if there is a dispute between owners and their subtenants on these matters. Hence, flat owners and subtenants are advised to read and understand all the terms and conditions in the tenancy agreement carefully before signing it.