A HOUSING Board (HDB) flat owner can only sublet his whole flat after getting written approval from the HDB, said a spokesman from the board said.
And the sub-letting of flats or rooms is a private arrangement between the flat owner and tenants, he added.
‘Hence, HDB is not in a position to intervene in the private arrangements made by flat owners, housing agents and sub-tenants.
‘Where there are disputes between the flat owner and their sub-tenants, they will have to settle their own differences.’
Here is HDB’s advice on how not to become a victim of rental scams:
Ask the flat owner to show a copy of HDB’s in-principle approval letter or approval letter to sub-let the flat.
Include a condition in the tenancy agreement stating that the validity of the agreement is subject to HDB’s approval.
Ask the flat owner to show documentary proof such as an agreement for lease, service and conservancy bills, a mortgage loan instalment payment booklet or annual loan statements to verify the person’s ownership of the flat.
Real estate agent Winnie Ng, from PropNex, also advises potential tenants to check that their prospective landlord is not a bankrupt.
If the tenant goes through an agent, it may ease the process as it is a must for agents to do the necessary checks.
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