Rental Flats Reserved For Those Truly In Need

Source : TODAY, Thursday, September 20, 2007

Writer’s parents sold four flats for big profit and can afford other options: HDB

Letter from Ho Sein Yean
Deputy Director (Rental Housing)
for Director (Housing Administration),
Housing & Development Board (HDB)

I refer to Farisha M Sikandar’s letter, “Rules fine but give room for flexibility” (Sept 13). She hoped that HDB could be more flexible and allow her parents, who had already bought two flats directly from HDB, to rent a flat.

Based on current policy, those who have already bought two flats from HDB are debarred from renting a subsidised flat as they have already taken the maximum of two housing subsidies. The objective is to ensure that our limited housing subsidies are equitably distributed, and given to those that need them most.

As with our other housing policies, HDB has been and will continue to be flexible on a case-by-case basis. For households that are truly needy and have no other housing options, we are prepared to consider making an exception for them to rent a subsidised flat from HDB.

However in the case of Ms Farisha’s parents, we are unable to justify making an exception for them. HDB’s records show they have bought and sold four HDB flats previously. Substantial profits have been made from the sale of these flats.

The sale of their last flat in October last year yielded significant cash proceeds.

Therefore, the couple can consider various housing options such as buying a Studio Apartment or renting a room from the open market. They can also consider living with their children for mutual care and support.

The limited stock of HDB rental flats should be reserved for those without housing options. We would like to stress that personal financial responsibility and family support remain key even as HDB is committed to providing housing support for the needy.