The monthly cost of flats under the Public Rental Scheme of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is subsidised to provide affordable shelter to Singaporean households who need them the most, according to the Ministry of National Development.
“More than half of HDB’s rental households pay basic rents, which are now set at S$26 per month for a one-room flat and S$44 a month for a two-room flat. The remaining households pay higher monthly rents based on their household incomes,” it said in a statement on Monday (3 July).
This is in response to Tanjong Pagar MP Joan Pereira’s query if the ministry will consider using per capita income instead of household salary when determining the rates for the Public Rental Scheme.
Based on information posted at HDB’s website, the aforementioned rental rates apply to households with a monthly income of S$800 or less that have applied to the scheme for the first time. On the other hand, those earning between S$801 and S$1,500 need to pay at least S$90 and S$123 to lease a one and two-roomer respectively.
Moreover, the National Development Ministry revealed that the Public Rental Scheme was introduced to help poor families eventually purchase a unit from the Housing Board, and the majority of its tenants have a household size of three or less.
“HDB recognises that some households do face difficulties paying higher rents, for example due to medical needs or a large number of dependents. This is why HDB already exercises flexibility to allow tenants to pay a lower rent depending on each household’s circumstances,” it added.
This article was edited by Denise Djong.
