Renting out your HDB flat before your Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) ends is one of those topics where everyone seems to have an opinion. But as it turns out, much of the advice is outdated, incomplete, or just plain wrong.
Some people think it’s completely illegal. Others believe there are plenty of “grey areas” you can quietly navigate. The truth sits somewhere in between, and misunderstanding it can lead to unnecessary trouble later.
This guide breaks down what’s allowed, what isn’t, and what homeowners should think about before renting out your HDB flat during its MOP.
What is MOP? Why is renting restricted?
Image credit: Darren Soh
The Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is the period during which you must physically live in your HDB flat. It’s not just about owning the property on paper, as HDB requires owners to genuinely occupy the flat.
The reason is simple: HDB flats are meant for owner-occupation, not for investment or income generation. That’s why rental rules during MOP are stricter than those of private properties.
At the time of writing, the MOP duration is 5 years for BTO flats in Standard areas, or 10 years for Plus and Prime areas. If you’re buying a resale flat that’s 2-room or bigger, the MOP is 5 years. 1-room flats have no MOP.
In short, owning the flat doesn’t automatically give you full freedom to rent it out however you want. Well, at least not immediately.
What you can rent out during MOP
Image credit: Key Concept
The overarching rule about tenanting out your HDB flat during its MOP is this: You may rent out spare rooms as long as you continue living in the flat yourself. If you’re thinking of renting out the entire unit, this is not allowed before MOP ends.
This means the flat must remain your primary residence, and not a place that you drop by occasionally. If you have tenants staying in the flat while you reside elsewhere, it’s considered a breach of the rule, even if the unit is still registered as your primary address.
Room rental rules during MOP
Image credit: Gentlemen Crafts
If you’re renting out spare rooms during your HDB flat’s MOP, these conditions apply:
- A maximum of 6 tenants is allowed per HDB flat.
- Tenancies must be for a minimum of 6 months.
- All tenants must be declared and approved by HDB.
- Short-term stays and Airbnb-style rentals are not allowed.
- If you’re staying in a Prime area, you may only rent out spare rooms, not the whole unit, even after MOP.
These rules apply whether you’re renting to strangers, friends, or extended family. If someone is paying rent and staying in your flat, HDB expects it to be declared.
Common misconceptions that can get homeowners into trouble
Image credit: Darren Soh
This is where many homeowners slip up, usually without realising it. Common scenarios that are not allowed during MOP include moving back to your parents’ place while tenants continue living in the flat, working overseas or staying elsewhere for extended periods of time.
Some owners also assume they can “check in once in a while” to remain compliant, or rent out rooms quietly without declaring that the flat is tenanted out. In reality, the key issue isn’t intent, but actual occupancy. If you’re not genuinely living in the flat long-term, it’s a breach of MOP regulations.
What happens if HDB investigates your flat
@homesinhd Camera man feels like he is on Crime Watch. 12 pax squeeze in one flat in Singapore is crazy!! SG can meh? #realestate #realestatesingapore #singapore #crimewatch #police #exposed #caughtoncamera
HDB investigations often start quietly, sometimes due to neighbour complaints and at other times through routine checks. If a breach is found, consequences can include the immediate termination of unauthorised tenancies, financial penalties or fines of up to $50,000, restrictions on future rental approvals, and in some serious cases, HDB may seize your flat and sell it back on the market as a sale of balance flat.
Renting out your HDB flat before MOP ends
Renting your HDB flat out during its MOP isn’t automatically a bad idea, but you need to play by the rules. As long as you are living in your flat, and only rent out spare rooms with the proper approval, it can be done. But if your situation involves long absences, overseas work, or plans to live elsewhere, you should definitely wait until the MOP of your flat ends.
When in doubt, check the latest HDB guidelines or seek clarification first. It may feel like a tedious process, but it’s far cheaper than fixing a mistake later.
For more guides like these, check out some other articles:
- 8 facts to know before using your CPF to repay your HDB home loan
- How much income you need to afford a condo in Singapore in 2026
- All you need to know about HDB vs bank loans
Cover image adapted from: Darren Soh, Gentlemen Crafts
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