Getting Help in Singapore | HDB Rental and Mortgage Help

If you are worried about losing your home or cannot afford housing costs in Singapore, start with the housing arrangement you actually have. An existing HDB public rental tenant who owes rent should contact HDB about assistance and repayment options. An eligible household with no suitable place to live may explore the HDB Public Rental Scheme. A homeowner struggling with a housing loan must speak to HDB or their mortgage lender, depending on who provided the loan.

These situations are different and have different procedures. HDB’s assistance guide for public rental tenants lists possible arrears instalments, referrals for ComCare and social support, and rightsizing options. Its Public Rental Scheme eligibility page explains how applications are assessed, including income, household size, housing budget, family support and other housing choices. Do not assume that being unable to afford a private rental automatically qualifies you for an HDB flat.

Quick route to the right help:

Already an HDB public rental tenant with unpaid rent: contact your HDB Branch promptly and ask about arrears payment arrangements or referral for social support.
Need a subsidised rental home and have no other suitable housing option: review the current HDB Public Rental Scheme eligibility and application process.
Own an HDB flat and struggle with an HDB housing loan: ask the HDB Branch about Financial Assistance Measures and whether a repayment-period adjustment may be appropriate.
Own a flat with a bank mortgage: contact the lending bank immediately to discuss possible arrangements; HDB cannot simply convert every bank loan into an HDB loan.
Need help with food, rent or essential household costs: contact an MSF Social Service Office about ComCare.
Unsafe at home because of violence: prioritise safety and contact Police 999 if in immediate danger, or NAVH 1800-777-0000 for abuse-related support.

I Cannot Afford Housing. Where Do I Start?

“Help with housing” can mean at least four very different problems. You may be at risk of eviction because rent is overdue; need access to an affordable public rental flat; be unable to pay monthly mortgage instalments; or need somewhere safe because your home is dangerous.

Before making an application, identify the type of tenure, who owns or manages the property, the amount currently owed, any formal notices received, and whether there is a deadline. This makes the correct route much clearer.

A person’s housing situation can also be connected to employment, health, family relationships or caregiving. You may need to contact more than one service. But do not submit unrelated or duplicate applications while assuming one agency will automatically inform all the others.

For a separate explanation of the policy, see How Singapore Works | HDB Public Rental Flats, Eligibility and Applications. This guide concentrates on getting help and choosing the next action.

Scenario 1: You Already Live in an HDB Public Rental Flat and Owe Rent

Contact the HDB Branch handling your tenancy early, even if you cannot pay the entire outstanding amount now. Ignoring reminders can leave less time to discuss how the issue might be resolved.

HDB lists assistance measures for public rental tenants facing financial difficulties. Depending on the circumstances, they can include:

An option to pay rent arrears by instalments within a reasonable time frame.
Referral to an MSF Social Service Office for assessment under ComCare.
Referral to an appropriate social service agency or Family Service Centre for broader support.
Consideration of rightsizing to a smaller flat with lower rent, where suitable.

These are possible assistance measures, not automatic entitlements or a guarantee that an arrears balance will disappear. HDB will need to understand the details of the tenancy and household.

What should you say to HDB?

You can say:

“I am an HDB public rental tenant and I am having difficulty paying rent because our household income has changed. I want to understand the outstanding amount, any late charges and whether an arrears repayment arrangement or referral for financial assistance is possible. What information should I provide?”

Give a truthful picture of household income, urgent expenses and realistic ability to make payments. An instalment plan that is too large for your household to maintain may not solve the problem.

What if there is already a notice or deadline?

Do not assume it can be ignored while you seek financial assistance. Keep the notice, note the relevant date and contact the issuing office promptly. If you need advice on the legal effect of a notice, seek appropriate legal guidance in addition to speaking to HDB.

What About Late Charges on HDB Rental Arrears?

HDB explains that rental payments are due monthly and that late payment charges may apply to unpaid rent. Charges are calculated according to the published rules and the applicable period.

As of November 2026, the HDB rent payment and late charges page specifies 5.6% per annum from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, with the rate subject to periodic review. This is a time-limited rate, not a permanent figure.

Ask HDB for the actual statement of account. Separate original rent, late charges, amount already paid and current balance. If the published rate later changes, the live HDB page should take precedence over older articles.

The point of discussing late charges is not to frighten tenants. It is to show why early contact and an accurate repayment discussion matter.

Scenario 2: You Need to Apply for an HDB Public Rental Flat

The Public Rental Scheme provides subsidised rental housing for eligible households with limited means and no suitable housing alternatives.

HDB’s eligibility guidance says applications are assessed holistically and takes into account factors such as household income, household size, housing budget, other housing options and family support.

This matters because older articles may show a simple income figure as if it were the entire decision. The correct assessment is the current HDB policy, not a single number copied from a dated FAQ.

What are the main eligibility routes?

HDB distinguishes several arrangements, including:

Family Scheme, for qualifying family households with the required citizen and family relationships.
ComLink+ Rental Scheme, which applies to qualifying family applications involving children under the relevant age threshold.
Joint Singles Scheme, with rules about the ages and statuses of the applicants.
Operator-run joint singles and single-room shared-facilities models, subject to their own arrangements.

Under the published Family Scheme, the applicant must generally be a Singapore Citizen aged at least 21, with the necessary qualifying household composition. The Joint Singles Scheme has different conditions, including age thresholds and the relevant citizenship requirements.

There are additional conditions concerning property ownership, existing HDB residency and the ability to afford other housing. Some unusual family situations may be reviewed on their facts. Read the current official eligibility details rather than treating these summaries as an approval decision.

Can a single person apply?

There are routes for qualifying singles, but age, status and other requirements differ from those of a family application. HDB identifies the Joint Singles Scheme and other shared arrangements. Do not assume all single applicants are eligible for an entire rental unit by themselves.

What if I am divorced or a single parent?

HDB’s eligibility framework addresses different family circumstances, including certain single-parent or shared-care situations. Application requirements can depend on legal arrangements and the household’s circumstances. Ask HDB about your exact situation and what documents it requires.

How to Apply for an HDB Public Rental Flat

Start from the official HDB Public Rental Scheme application process.

A practical application sequence is:

Review the eligibility criteria, especially household composition and existing housing options.
Gather basic household information including citizenship or residency status, ages, income and who would live in the flat.
Check property interests and previous housing arrangements, where relevant.
Identify any special needs, such as disability, medical issues or family circumstances that affect suitable accommodation.
Apply through HDB’s official route and follow its document instructions.
Respond to any request for clarification rather than assuming an incomplete application has been assessed.
Ask what happens next, including whether further interviews or documents are needed and how to check status.

HDB’s rental application help page describes online and in-person enquiry arrangements. Check current operating arrangements before travelling to a service centre.

Will I be offered a flat immediately?

Do not assume immediate availability or a guaranteed location. Eligibility assessment, the type of rental flat, available units and allocation procedures are separate questions. Ask HDB about the process applicable to your application.

Is public rental the same as a normal private tenancy?

No. Subsidised HDB public rental housing is a specific public housing scheme with eligibility and tenancy conditions. A private landlord’s rental agreement does not become an HDB public rental tenancy because the tenant has low income.

How Much Does Public Rental Housing Cost?

HDB publishes a table of rental rates that vary by household income, flat type and whether the applicant is treated as a first- or second-timer. See HDB’s current rents and deposits page.

Rather than quoting one rent as if it applies to every household, ask for the actual rate based on your assessed situation and the unit offered.

The published process also explains the rent deposit and first-month payment arrangements. Do not pay a stranger a deposit to “reserve” an HDB rental flat. Use HDB’s official collection and payment instructions.

What about utilities and other household expenses?

Budget for more than rent alone. Electricity, water, food, transport, healthcare and family needs may still create a deficit. Ask whether social support is needed alongside the housing application.

A low housing cost does not automatically mean a household has sufficient money for its everyday needs.

Scenario 3: You Own an HDB Flat and Cannot Pay an HDB Housing Loan

If your mortgage is directly with HDB, contact the HDB Branch managing your flat and ask about available Financial Assistance Measures for homeowners in difficulty.

HDB publishes a Financial Assistance Measures page and explains that it can consider changes to the repayment period of an HDB housing loan under the applicable arrangements.

Extending a loan’s repayment period can reduce monthly instalments, but it may also affect the total repayment cost and other arrangements. A lower payment today is not automatically the cheapest long-term choice.

Can HDB change my loan repayment period?

The HDB repayment period guide explains the application procedure through the HDB Branch, including attendance by the flat owners and relevant identity and CPF arrangements.

Ask for the estimated new monthly payment, revised repayment period and potential total cost. The suitability of an extension depends on the loan and household circumstances.

What if I already owe several instalments?

Keep any notices, payment records and your statement of account. Contact HDB early rather than assuming a standard repayment extension is available after arrears have accumulated. Ask which financial assistance or arrears process applies and what immediate action is required.

Do not treat an online general guide as a guarantee that fees, arrears or enforcement action will be waived.

Scenario 4: Your HDB Flat Has a Bank Mortgage

An HDB flat may be financed by a loan from a financial institution rather than HDB. If so, the lending bank is the first place to discuss missed mortgage payments and possible restructuring options.

HDB’s guidance on refinancing and mortgage arrears advises flat owners with financial-institution loans to approach the lender early to work out viable repayment options. It also discusses potential longer-term choices such as refinancing with another financial institution, generating permitted rental income, or moving to more affordable housing, subject to the relevant rules.

Do not assume a bank loan can simply be converted back into an HDB loan. HDB’s guidance explains important restrictions on refinancing in that direction.

If the bank offers a revised plan, ask for written information on monthly repayments, total cost, fees, rate changes and consequences of missing payments. A proposal should be evaluated against the family’s realistic future income.

Scenario 5: Financial Problems Affect Several Household Bills

Someone struggling with housing may also be unable to buy food, pay utilities or afford school transport. An agency dealing with a mortgage may not assess the whole household’s welfare needs.

The MSF ComCare framework assesses household difficulty with basic living expenses. Begin with the official ComCare information and ask whether a Social Service Office can assess your circumstances.

For the application steps and preparation, read Getting Help in Singapore | Financial Assistance and ComCare Applications.

ComCare and HDB housing assistance are different systems. You may need to tell both agencies about your situation. Do not assume that applying to one automatically pauses payment obligations with the other.

What if Loss of Employment Caused the Housing Problem?

If income stopped after retrenchment or another involuntary job loss, ask HDB or the lender how that change can be documented. At the same time, check SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support and employment services.

The eduKateSG job loss guide explains applications, career guidance and the distinction between unemployment support and unpaid employment entitlements.

Do not build a housing repayment plan on the assumption that the maximum possible jobseeker payout has already been approved or will continue indefinitely.

What if You Need to Leave Your Home Because It Is Unsafe?

Housing insecurity caused by violence or abuse requires a different priority. When there is immediate danger, call Police 999. For abuse-related help, Singapore’s National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) is 1800-777-0000, available 24 hours a day.

Ask trained services about safe accommodation, crisis shelter access and protection. Do not assume that an ordinary public rental flat application is the emergency shelter procedure.

For safety and protection routes, read Getting Help in Singapore | Family Violence, Abuse and Emergency Protection.

What Documents Help Explain Housing Difficulty?

Gather only what the responsible agency requests and use official submission channels. Potentially useful information includes:

Your tenancy, property or housing-loan details.
Current rent or instalment amount and unpaid balance.
Notices or reminders received, including any dates.
Recent household income and evidence of a change.
Basic necessary expenses and number of dependants.
Any relevant medical or caregiving circumstances.
Previous payments and existing assistance, if any.
A reliable and safe method for the agency to contact you.

Prepare a short explanation of why the difficulty occurred and what you can realistically pay now. If the issue is temporary, say what might change and when. If it is long-term, do not describe it as a short interruption merely to make a request look easier.

A simple household example

A family might have an HDB public rental flat, one income earner and two children. A sudden job loss leads to two months of unpaid rent. The useful route is to contact HDB about the arrears while seeking an SSO assessment for household necessities and beginning job-support applications.

That is an example of the process, not a promised outcome. Eligibility and assistance depend on assessment.

What Should You Ask During a Housing Assistance Conversation?

A practical conversation should leave you with a written or clearly understood next action. Useful questions include:

How much is actually outstanding, including any charges?
What is the earliest deadline or formal action I must address?
What assistance or repayment arrangements can be considered?
Which documents are required, and how should I provide them?
Will another agency need to assess household needs?
How will the proposed arrangement affect later payments?
Who should I contact if my situation changes?
Can the next step and any agreed payment plan be confirmed in writing?

Avoid agreeing to a figure you do not understand or cannot reasonably maintain. If you are unsure about the legal implications of a notice or agreement, seek appropriate advice.

When to Seek Legal Advice About a Housing Problem

A contract dispute with a private landlord, a notice you do not understand, a disagreement about possession or a court document may require legal guidance.

The Singapore Judiciary Legal Help Finder can help identify services. For limited-means individuals, community legal guidance or Legal Aid Bureau assistance may be appropriate depending on the matter.

See Getting Help in Singapore | Free Legal Advice, Legal Aid and Lawyers for the distinction between free initial advice and court representation.

Housing financial assistance and legal representation are different services. Use whichever routes fit the actual problem, and never ignore a court date while waiting for a financial support decision.

Common Mistakes That Make Housing Problems Worse

Waiting until rent or mortgage arrears grow substantially

Early contact allows a clearer discussion of what can realistically be paid and which assistance routes might apply.

Assuming a single income threshold guarantees public rental eligibility

HDB considers the broader household and housing circumstances. Use the current eligibility page rather than an old summary.

Treating every housing loan as an HDB loan

The lender matters. An HDB housing loan and a bank mortgage have different processes and potential remedies.

Paying an unofficial intermediary for a guaranteed HDB flat

Use official HDB application, payment and contact channels. A person promising preferential access for a secret fee should be treated with caution.

Choosing an unmanageable instalment plan

An arrangement should be based on credible income and expenses. Ask for clarity on the consequences of missed payments and further charges.

Forgetting that the problem may be bigger than housing

Households may also need employment help, social support or safety assistance. Address the connected problems through their appropriate services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can HDB help if I have public rental arrears?

HDB publishes assistance options for public rental tenants facing financial difficulties, including possible instalment arrangements and referrals to social support. Contact your HDB Branch for an individual assessment.

Is HDB public rental housing free?

No. Eligible households pay subsidised rents under the scheme. Rates vary with the relevant circumstances and tenancy arrangement.

Does earning below S$1,500 automatically mean I qualify for a public rental flat?

No. HDB’s current eligibility framework includes household composition, housing alternatives, family support and other criteria. Do not rely on a single historical income figure.

Can single people apply?

Some qualifying singles can apply through the Joint Singles Scheme or related models, subject to age, citizenship and other conditions. Check HDB’s current rules.

Can I get help if I have a mortgage from a bank?

The bank is the first contact for repayment difficulty on its loan. Ask about available arrangements, costs and consequences.

Can I extend an HDB housing-loan repayment period?

HDB provides a procedure for eligible borrowers to apply to adjust the repayment period. Whether it is suitable depends on the loan and financial circumstances.

Can ComCare pay rent?

ComCare assesses basic household needs and may be relevant to housing-related hardship. Assistance is not automatic; contact an SSO for the applicable assessment.

What if my current home is dangerous?

If there is imminent danger, contact Police 999. For family violence or abuse concerns, NAVH 1800-777-0000 can guide access to protective support.

Your Next Useful Action

Identify whether you are a public rental tenant, a potential public rental applicant, an HDB borrower or a bank borrower. Contact that agency first, state the amount or housing difficulty, and ask about the applicable support or repayment process. If basic household needs are also at risk, seek an SSO assessment in parallel.

Housing assistance is not one form and one payment. It is a series of decisions about the home you have, the home you need and the arrangements that can be sustained.

Official Sources and Further Reading

Information checked: 3 November 2026. This independently written guide does not decide eligibility, legal rights or payment arrangements. Contact the relevant agency for official decisions and check time-sensitive rates against the live HDB pages.

Getting Help in Singapore | HDB Rental Housing, Rent Arrears and Mortgage Assistance