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Rental Loophole Sparks Concerns: Tenant Evicted After HDB Landlord’s Sudden Move

Rental Loophole Sparks Concerns: Tenant Evicted After HDB Landlord’s Sudden Move

Alleged HDB Eviction Loophole Raises Questions About Fairness and Industry Standards

A recent post on KiasuParents has stirred up concern regarding a potential rental loophole, where tenants could be unfairly evicted, causing anxiety among renters in Singapore. The incident involves a tenant who was suddenly evicted after their landlord informed HDB of their intent to move back into the flat, terminating the approval to rent out the property. The eviction was reportedly carried out with the presence of police and a locksmith, and the tenant’s substantial security deposit—equivalent to three months’ rent—was withheld.
Adding to the confusion, the same flat reappeared on property portals shortly after, now listed at a 40% higher rent. This raised questions about whether the landlord, a licensed property agent, was exploiting his position for personal gain.
HDB responded that they were not responsible for the premature termination of the tenancy agreement, as proper approval had been obtained initially. However, the case brings to light issues surrounding tenancy agreements (TAs), especially the landlord’s decision to impose a three-year lease despite the tenant not being a Malaysian citizen—an action that violates HDB’s regulations.
Many online users have called for the involvement of the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), given the landlord’s role as a licensed agent. The alleged unprofessional behavior, including causing a scene at the tenant’s workplace, has further fueled this call for action. In this case, the landlord’s dual role as both property owner and licensed realtor could have created a conflict of interest, potentially leaving tenants at a disadvantage in disputes over the lease terms.
Another issue raised was the frequent dispute over the tenant’s security deposit. Landlords often blame tenants for damages, while tenants argue that wear and tear is natural. Without a detailed inventory and agreement on the property’s condition at move-in, such disputes are common, but they can result in significant financial loss for tenants.
This case serves as a cautionary tale for prospective tenants to thoroughly vet both the property and the landlord before committing to a lease, particularly when considering longer-term agreements. Given the rising rental rates and potential for sudden evictions, future tenants should be wary of signing a long lease without adequate protections.

Andy Thomas
ADMINISTRATOR
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