If someone moves out of an open-market HDB rental and a new housemate wants to move in, tell the flat owner first. HDB requires the owner to obtain approval before a new tenant moves in. The owner must also inform HDB within seven days when a tenant leaves or when relevant tenant particulars change. The incoming and outgoing steps can happen on different dates.
Review the tenancy agreement at the same time. The people named in the agreement, the people authorised by HDB and the people who actually have keys should reflect what is happening in the home. If one housemate leaves early, clarify the rent, deposit and responsibility for the remaining term with the owner before arranging a replacement.
- Confirm whether the agreement covers the whole flat or an individual bedroom.
- Tell the owner who is leaving, when they are leaving and who wants to move in.
- Check the replacement’s eligibility and wait for HDB approval before their move.
- Settle notice, outstanding bills, deposits and the agreement in writing.
- Plan separate move-out and move-in handovers if the dates differ.
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Start with the tenancy you actually have
This guide concerns open-market rentals from an HDB flat owner. HDB’s Public Rental Scheme has a separate route and its own rules. If you rent under that scheme, use the relevant Public Rental Scheme guidance for changes to the household or tenancy.
For an open-market rental, take out the signed agreement and check who is named. If several people rent the whole flat together, one person leaving may raise a different issue from an individual room renter ending a separate agreement. Read the notice and early termination provisions and check with the owner whether the parties need to change the existing agreement or enter into a new one. HDB’s open-market tenancy guidance explains the distinction between private agreement matters and HDB rules.
Ask the owner how they will handle HDB’s records. HDB’s owner application guidance describes the seven-day notification for move-outs or changes to tenant particulars and the requirement to obtain approval before a new tenant moves in. For a bedroom, the bedroom rental application page lists the owner’s online services for managing changes.
| Situation | HDB record to discuss with the owner | Agreement question |
|---|---|---|
| Someone moves out and nobody replaces them | Update HDB about the departure through the applicable service | What rent and responsibilities apply to those who stay? |
| A replacement wants to move in | Verify eligibility and obtain approval before the move | Who joins the agreement and on what terms? |
| The same person’s details change | Update the relevant tenant particulars | Do contact and notice details need to change too? |
| Everyone plans to leave | Check how the owner ends the rental registration | What is the agreed end date and handover process? |
Back to contents · Next: Check the incoming person before setting a move date
Check the incoming person before setting a move date
Use the HDB eligibility rules for open-market tenants. Check the proposed tenant’s applicable eligibility and the rental type. The number and status of people living in the flat can matter. A vacancy in a room gives the owner a reason to check the requirements for the new household.
Ask the owner what is needed to make the application, how the proposed tenant can provide the information securely and when the result can be checked. If a decision is still pending, arrange a provisional date and keep the new resident’s current housing available where possible. Confirm moving or storage bookings once there is a workable start date. The incoming tenant can use HDB’s authorised tenant check to see whether the owner has registered them.
If the proposed resident is taking over for only the last part of a tenancy, check the applicable minimum rental period and the right arrangement with HDB and the owner. The previous tenant’s remaining term may be shorter than the period allowed for a new rental. Record any change in the end date and check that it works for everyone who is staying.
Back to contents · Next: Agree on the money and the handover separately
Agree on the money and the handover separately
Draw up a list of amounts before anyone transfers money. Include rent up to the departure date, any amount still due, utilities spanning both occupancy periods and the deposit arrangements under the agreement. Identify who owes what to whom, how it will be recorded and the date by which it should be resolved. One person paying another informally can leave the deposit relationship with the owner unclear.
Make a condition and inventory record at each handover. Note keys, access cards, furniture and visible issues, and agree who receives any photographs. A departure and a new arrival several days apart may need separate records. This is especially helpful when both tenants used the same bedroom or when a utility bill only arrives the following month.
For a student or young adult sharing accommodation for the first time, a simple note can cover four things: when payment starts, which space they can use, where shared bills are recorded and who to contact about repairs. Ask for the owner’s written confirmation of terms that affect daily use or costs.
Back to contents · Next: Worked example of a gap between housemates
Worked example of a gap between housemates
Three people share an HDB flat. One plans to leave at the end of the month, and a friend would like to take the room the next day. They tell the owner early. The owner checks how to report the departure and applies for approval for the proposed new tenant. The friend keeps a later move date available in case the approval is still pending.
Meanwhile, the parties review the agreement and clarify who covers rent in any gap. They record the outgoing housemate’s key return, the meter or utility information they need, and how the deposit will be settled under the applicable terms. The incoming housemate’s inventory and payment start date are recorded separately. The group can then check one date at a time instead of assuming that the departure automatically starts the replacement’s tenancy.
Back to contents · Next: Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can the remaining housemates approve a replacement themselves?
Bring the proposal to the flat owner. The owner is responsible for the applicable HDB approval and updates. The agreement may also require the owner and the named tenants to confirm changes to the rental arrangement.
Does HDB approval settle the departing tenant’s deposit?
Review the signed agreement and any written arrangements with the owner. HDB approval concerns who may occupy the home. Deposit, notice and payment questions are handled under the tenancy arrangements.
What if approval is pending on the planned moving day?
Keep the move provisional until the required approval is in place. Confirm the current housing, luggage and delivery plan in case the new tenant needs to wait.
Back to contents · Next: Next steps and official sources
Next steps and official sources
Write down the departure date, the proposed arrival date and the name of the person responsible for each action. Confirm the owner’s HDB update and approval route, then settle the agreement, money and keys.