Did you know that HDB not only builds public housing and sells subsidised flats, but also rents out flats directly to eligible households?
As HDB’s primary mission is to provide affordable housing and support homeownership among Singaporeans, the number of rental flats available is limited. HDB’s rental housing programmes are intended to help households with immediate housing needs or those who have no other viable housing options.
Today, there are two main ways to rent a flat from HDB. The first is the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS), which provides temporary housing for families waiting for their new flats. The second is the Public Rental Scheme (PRS), which serves as a social safety net for lower-income households and those facing housing difficulties.
The rents for flats under the Public Rental Scheme are heavily subsidised. However, applicants must meet HDB’s eligibility requirements and demonstrate that they have limited alternative housing options.
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HDB Public Rental Scheme Is Intended For Households With No Other Housing Options
The Public Rental Scheme is designed for Singapore citizen households that have no family support or other viable housing options.
Unlike in the past, there is no fixed income ceiling for the Public Rental Scheme. HDB assesses applications holistically, taking into account factors such as household income, family size, housing budget, family support and individual circumstances. Households earning more than $1,500 a month may still qualify if they face genuine housing difficulties.
You can apply under either the Family Scheme or the Joint Singles Scheme.
Applying Under The Family Scheme
To apply under the Family Scheme:
- You must be a Singapore Citizen
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must include at least one other Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident to form a family nucleus
Your family nucleus can comprise:
- You and your spouse
- You and your parents (if single)
- You and your children under your sole care and control (if widowed or divorced)
- Fiancé and fiancée
- You and your siblings (if orphaned and at least one parent was a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident)
Applying Under The Joint Singles Scheme
If you are applying as a single, you must apply together with another eligible single person.
Under the Joint Singles Scheme:
- Both applicants must be Singapore Citizens
- Both applicants must be eligible to apply as singles
Eligible singles include:
- Unmarried singles aged 35 and above
- Divorced or legally separated persons aged 35 and above
- Widowed persons
- Orphaned persons where at least one parent was a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident
For households that do not fit either scheme, HDB may still assess applications on a case-by-case basis. Examples include certain caregiving arrangements, vulnerable households and applicants facing exceptional circumstances.
You Must Have Exhausted Other Housing Options
As public rental flats are intended as a housing safety net, applicants must generally have exhausted other reasonable housing options.
You and your listed occupiers cannot:
- Be existing tenants or essential occupiers of another HDB rental flat
- Own any residential, commercial or industrial property in Singapore or overseas
- Have any legal interest in a property at the point of application
If you have previously owned a property, HDB may assess the proceeds from its sale when determining whether you have sufficient resources to secure alternative housing.
HDB will also consider available family support. For example, if close family members can provide accommodation or housing assistance, this may be taken into account when assessing the application.
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Only 1-Room And 2-Room Flats Are Available
Under the Public Rental Scheme, applicants can rent either 1-room or 2-room flats.
Generally, 1-room flats are allocated to smaller households and single occupants. In contrast, 2-room flats are typically prioritised for larger households, particularly families with three or more members who have earned income.
Source: HDB
Applicants under the Joint Singles Scheme may be offered partitioned 1-room units, subject to availability.
HDB Rental Flats Are Highly Subsidised
Public rental flats are heavily subsidised to ensure that housing remains affordable for households facing financial difficulties. Applicants are required to pay a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent upon signing the tenancy agreement.
Monthly rents depend on household income, flat type and whether the applicant is considered a first-timer or second-timer.
Monthly Rents For Public Rental Flats
| Monthly Household Income | Applicant Type | 1-Room Flat | 2-Room Flat |
| $800 or less | First-timer | $26 to $33 | $44 to $75 |
| $800 or less | Second-timer | $90 to $123 | $123 to $165 |
| $801 to $1,500 | First-timer | $90 to $123 | $123 to $165 |
| $801 to $1,500 | Second-timer | $150 to $205 | $205 to $275 |
Who Is Considered A First-Timer?
For the Public Rental Scheme, first-timer applicants generally refer to households that have never owned a subsidised flat or received housing subsidies from HDB.
For example, if you purchased and later sold a resale HDB flat without receiving CPF Housing Grants or other housing subsidies, you may still be considered a first-timer.
Who Is Considered A Second-Timer?
Second-timer applicants generally include households that have previously enjoyed housing subsidies.
Examples include those who:
- Bought a flat directly from HDB
- Purchased a resale flat using CPF Housing Grants
- Received benefits under SERS
- Benefited from HUDC privatisation
- Bought an Executive Condominium directly from a developer
As second-timers have previously received housing assistance, they pay higher public rental rates.
Additional Assistance Is Available For Tenants Facing Difficulties
Even with heavily subsidised rents, some households may continue to face financial challenges.
Depending on individual circumstances, HDB may provide assistance such as:
- Instalment plans for rental arrears
- Referrals to ComCare assistance schemes
- Referrals to Family Service Centres and social service agencies
- Housing and financial counselling
- Other forms of support tailored to household needs
The Public Rental Scheme remains an important safety net for households facing housing insecurity. While eligibility requirements can be stringent, HDB adopts a needs-based approach and assesses applications holistically.
If you are facing housing difficulties and are unsure whether you qualify, it may still be worthwhile to approach HDB directly to discuss your circumstances and available housing assistance options.
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