I REFER to the letter by Mr Ng Kwong Yee, 'Relook eligibility criteria for renting out HDB flats' (April10).

We would like to assure Mr Ng that HDB flats are primarily meant for owner occupation. The HDB allows flat owners who have fulfilled a minimum occupation period (MOP) to sublet their whole flats.

The MOP is three or five years, depending on whether the flat owner has enjoyed any subsidies for the flat. This provides flat owners the flexibility to use their flats to earn a rental income during periods when they do not require it for occupation.

Forty per cent of those who sublet their flats are Singaporeans above the age of 50. This subletting option allows elderly Singaporeans to earn additional income to meet daily expenses, while they move in to live with their adult children for mutual support.

As for those who flout the rules and sublet illegally, HDB will take strict action against them, ranging from a fine to compulsory acquisition of the flat.

We thank Mr Ng for his feedback.

Foo-Ho Yoke Ming (Mrs)
Deputy Director (Branch Operations)
Housing & Development Board

This article was first published in The Straits Times.