Can I rent out my HDB during MOP. An Easy Guide

Can I rent out my HDB during MOP ? That’s a very popular question in the internet. Also you might want to read my article on Rules For Renting Out Your HDB Flat.

Can I rent out my HDB during MOP : Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)

Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is a significant aspect of owning a HDB flat. It refers to the minimum duration of time that homeowners are required to reside in their flats before they can sell or rent out the property. The purpose behind this regulation is to ensure stable communities and to prevent speculative behavior in the public housing market.

During the MOP, homeowners are expected to make the HDB flat their primary place of residence. This means that they cannot leave the flat unoccupied for extended periods or lease it out to others. The duration of the MOP varies depending on the type of flat and the date of its acquisition. It usually ranges from five to seven years, providing ample time for homeowners to settle down and establish themselves in the community. It is essential to adhere to the MOP guidelines to avoid any legal repercussions and uphold the integrity of the public housing system.

Am I eligible to rent out my HDB flat?

In order to determine whether you are eligible to rent out your HDB flat during the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), several factors need to be considered. Firstly, it is essential to understand the MOP requirement, which states that you should occupy the HDB flat for a specific period before you can rent it out. The MOP duration varies depending on the type of HDB flat and whether you have received any housing grants.

Once you have satisfied the MOP requirement, you may be eligible to rent out your HDB flat. However, it is crucial to note that there are certain restrictions in place. For instance, you cannot rent out individual bedrooms in the flat; you must rent out the entire unit. Additionally, the number of occupants allowed is subject to HDB regulations, so it is important to check the guidelines to ensure compliance. By understanding these factors and following the necessary procedures, you can determine your eligibility to rent out your HDB flat during the MOP period.

Number of occupants

The number of occupants permitted in a rented HDB flat during the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is an important consideration for homeowners considering renting out their property. As per HDB regulations, the maximum number of tenants allowed in a flat is based on its size and the number of bedrooms it has. For example, a 2-room flat can have a maximum of 4 occupants, while a 4-room flat can have up to 6 occupants. It is crucial for homeowners to be aware of these occupancy limits before renting out their HDB flat during the MOP.

Number Of Occupants Allowed For Hdb Flat
Total Number of occupants


One common question homeowners have is whether they can rent out their entire HDB flat during the MOP, rather than just individual bedrooms. While the HDB permits homeowners to rent out bedrooms separately, renting out the entire flat is not allowed during the MOP.

This is to ensure that homeowners continue to meet the eligibility criteria for HDB ownership, as the MOP serves as a period of stability and commitment to living in the flat. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to adhere to the regulations and only rent out individual bedrooms, rather than the entire flat, during the MOP.

Apart from renting out bedrooms, can I rent out my entire flat?

Renting out bedrooms in your HDB flat is one option, but you may be wondering if you can take it a step further and rent out the entire flat. The answer to this question depends on several factors. Firstly, it is important to know that renting out your entire HDB flat is not allowed if you have not fulfilled the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). The MOP refers to the required period of time that you must live in your HDB flat before you are eligible to rent it out. Typically, this period is five years from the date of key collection for a new flat, or three years if you are selling your existing flat and buying a new one.



Once you have completed the MOP, you might still have certain limitations in renting out your entire flat. For instance, HDB flats are subject to a maximum occupancy limit, which means that you can only have a certain number of occupants living in your flat at any given time.

The maximum occupancy limit differs based on the flat type, ranging from three to nine occupants. It is crucial to check the regulations and guidelines set by HDB to ensure that you comply with the maximum occupancy limit before considering renting out your entire flat. Keep in mind that exceeding this limit can result in serious penalties.

FAQ for Can I rent out my HDB during MOP

What is the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) for renting out an HDB flat?

The MOP is the minimum period of occupancy required before you can rent out your HDB flat. Typically, the MOP is 5 years for non-subsidized flats.

Am I eligible to rent out my HDB flat?

You are eligible to rent out your HDB flat if you have fulfilled the MOP and meet the eligibility criteria set by the Housing Development Board (HDB). These criteria include factors such as citizenship, family nucleus, and ownership of other properties.

How many occupants are allowed when renting out an HDB flat?

The maximum number of occupants allowed in an HDB flat is determined by the HDB’s occupancy cap. Generally, for a 2-room flat, the maximum number of occupants is 4. For a 4-room or larger flat, the maximum number of occupants is 6.

Apart from renting out bedrooms, can I rent out my entire flat?

Yes, you can rent out your entire HDB flat once you meet the MOP and eligibility criteria. However, it is important to ensure that you comply with all the regulations set by HDB, including obtaining the necessary approvals and adhering to the occupancy cap.

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