Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet2345
Cool, thank you both for the information : ) But I still wonder how to find an HDB flat for rent. Let's say if I fulfill all the requirements, so where to look for an HDB flat? Agents, private listings?
Thanks
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The are couple of 'safe' options, when renting HDB flats.
Legally, HDB flats cant be rented out, as they are considered subsidised housing for citizens and residents.
They need to obtain approval from the board, which is not commonly approved as they need to justify their need to rent - such as - being overseas, or living with parents etc.
Most of the apartments are sort of 'grey area' rental, meaning the owner will lock one room and you have to claim the owner stays there, if HDB comes for some check or other. And sometimes the HDB checking can be due to trivial matters, such as some neighbour complaining of noise, and in the process, HDB finds out the apartment is illegally rented, and then they kick you out and re-possess the flat from the owner, and the owner has to face lot of law suits.
This is the worst case scenario.
When times are tough, the HDB checking increases. When times are good, HDB does not bother much.
So, my 2 cents advice: Check for "approved flats" and these cost a small premium - for example, if an un-approved flat goes for 1,500, approved flat goes for 1,800. And approved flats give peace of mind, as you have 100% legal recourse, in case the owner wants you out, or he sells his flat and thinks of you as an after-thought.
But the fact is 90% of the flats are un-approved rental, as most owners dont want to go through the hassle of obtaining approval, and showing the rental income for tax purposes.
In a nut-shell - If you want to play safe - check for approved flats, or alternate, there are HDB Direct Rental, where you sign a 12 or 24 or 36 months contract, and nobody will bother you, including the Board.
One other option is also to look for Shift housing, which again comes on 12, 24 or 36 months rental, and is totally unfurnished. Anyway, since you dont pay a 1 month agent fee for SHift, that cash can used to fully furnish an apartment - with the furniture and stuff. For 1,500, you can have a fridge, beds, ward robe, aircon and washing machine- if you are not 100% brand conscious.
Cheers