A new regulation in the subletting of HDB flats has kicked in, allowing non-Malaysian work permit holders from the manufacturing industry to only rent rooms and not entire HDB units. In force since the first of January this year, the rule may impact not only the workers, but also employers, companies and HDB flat owners who are leasing their units. The impact may be beneficial to some, and not so much to others as the government hopes that this move will push employers to provide better workers’ living quarters and also move them to purpose-built dormitories where their needs can be catered to more efficiently.
An estimated 3.5 per cent of HDB households will be affected by the rule-change though those currently renting a unit are allowed to continue with their current living arrangements until their leases expire. This is not the first time a change was implemented in terms of the leasing of HDB flats. In 2006, the same rule was first implemented with regards to non-Malaysian work permit holders from the construction industry, and again in 2015 to the marine and process sectors. Malaysian work permit holders are still able to lease entire flats or rooms.
Service sector non-Malayisian work permit holders are however still allowed to sublet entire HDB flats and the government will continue to monitor the balance between landlords and sub-tenants closely in order to make further adjustments when and if required.
