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2024-11-13-17:09:33

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Various types of housing and their specific requirements

There are various types of housing that your foreign employees can live in, each with its own set of requirements. Employers must carry out due diligence to ensure these requirements are met. Employers who fail to do so may be prosecuted, and disallowed to hire foreign employees.

Purpose-Built Dormitories (PBDs)Show

What are PBDs

PBDs are specially designed and built with features to meet the needs of foreign employees:

  • Amenities, e.g. minimarts, dedicated cooking areas, etc.
  • Services, e.g. laundry, remittance, etc.
  • Recreational facilities, e.g. gym, outdoor games courts, etc.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Sign a written tenancy agreement with the dormitory operator.
  • Provide ways for employees to highlight problems with the housing to the dormitory operator, and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

Factory-Converted Dormitories (FCDs)Show

What are FCDs Industrial or warehouse developments which have been partially converted to dormitories.
Types of FCDs allowed
  • Ancillary FCDs: Houses workers employed by the owner or lessee of the factory or sub-contractors' workers (whether workers are working on site at the factory or off-site) or workers who work on site at the factory.
  • Single employer-operated secondary FCDs (i.e. new secondary FCDs set up on 22 June 2020 or later): Houses employer's own workers or sub-contractors' workers (whether workers are working on site at the factory or off-site). The employer should not be the owner or lessee of the factory.

Select the type of FCD application that best suits your application

If you intend to submit a new FCD application from 1 April 2023, you must:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to submit plans to the relevant technical agencies to seek their clearances:
  2. Obtain a valid WP (temporary) from URA to house the employees in the industrial premises
  3. If your FCD's occupancy load (OL) is 6 or below, please submit URA's WP (Temporary) and Final Clearence (FC) application to us via mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.

If your FCD's OL is 7 and above, you are required to apply for a FEDA licence via GoBusiness Licensing, and submit the URA's WP (Temporary) to support the application. A dormitory licence will be issued to you. Please refer to the segment on "Apply for a FEDA licence" for more information.

Documents to be submitted to MOM

New FCD Application
Increase Occupancy Load / Gross Floor Area

You should:

  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the FCD, and put measures in place to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are an existing FCD operator and your URA Written Permission is due for renewal on/after 1 April 2023, you must:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to submit the plans to the relevant technical agencies (NEA, SCDF, LTA, PUB, JTC) to seek clearance.
  2. Obtain a renewal of valid WP (Temporary) from URA.
  3. If your FCD's occupancy load (OL) is 6 or below, please submit URA's WP (Temporary) and renewal application to us via mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg.

If your FCD's OL is 7 and above, you are required to apply for a FEDA licence via GoBusiness Licensing 3 months before the expiry of your provisional licence (PL) and submit URA's WP (Temporary) to support the application. A dormitory licence will be issued to you.

Documents to be submitted to MOM

Applicable to FCD renewal application

We highly recommend you to:

  • Sign a written tenancy agreement with the FCD operator.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are operating an FCD that houses foreign employees employed by different employers, and they don't work at the same work location, applications to increase the maximum number of residents will not be approved.

Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQ): Standalone Temporary QuartersShow

What are Standalone Temporary Quarters Any structure used for housing employees within a construction site that will eventually be demolished or removed.
Allowed to house

Construction sector foreign employees working at that particular construction project

Note: CTQs that would like to house foreign employees not working on that particular construction project must obtain LTA's support.

Select the type of CTQ application that best suits your occupancy load (OL)

From 1 April 2023, you are required to MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) before applying for FEDA Licence for new CTQs housing more than 6 workers.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. JTC, SLA, home owners).
  2. For industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA and before applying for FEDA licence, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for CTQ, endorsed by the QP, shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the CTQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB's approval for the CTQ.
  4. For CTQs with occupancy load of 200 or more, SCDF highly recommends that you:
  5. Submit MOM's documents and apply for a FEDA licence. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService.
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for CTQ.

You should also:

  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the CTQ and put in measures to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain both MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Final Clearance (FC) letter. You are not required to obtain a FEDA licence.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. JTC, SLA, home owners).
  2. For industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA and to obtain MOM's FC letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for CTQ, endorsed by the QP, shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the CTQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB'S approval for the CTQ.
  4. For CTQs with occupancy load of 200 or more, SCDF highly recommends that you:
  5. Submit MOM's documents to confirm the permissible occupancy load. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be always available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService. 
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for CTQ.

You should also:

  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the CTQ, and put in measures to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are intending to extend your CTQ after the date indicated in your Declaration Form, you are required to do the following:

  1. Obtain a letter from your developer
    • Indicate the reason for extension.
    • Indicate a new end date in the format of DD MMM YYYY.
  2. Fill up a new on-site workers' quarters declaration form if there is a change in the Person-of-Contact.
  3. Submit the document(s) to MOM.

You may be required to apply for a FEDA licence if you are submitting an extension request beyond 31 March 2025. Please refer to the earlier segment on the necessary steps that you need to adhere to.

Construction Temporary Quarters (CTQ): Quarters in Uncompleted Permanent BuildingShow

What are quarters in uncompleted permanent building They are parts of buildings still under construction that are used for employees' quarters.
Allowed to house

Construction sector foreign employees working at that particular construction project.

Note: CTQs that would like to house foreign employees not working on that particular construction project must obtain LTA's support.
Maximum permissible occupancy

Non-private residential premises (PRP) projects are not subjected to housing occupancy limits.

PRP projects are allowed up to 6 persons in each residential unit under construction.

Select the type of CTQ application that best suits your occupancy load (OL)

From 1 April 2023, you are required to MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) before applying for FEDA Licence for new CTQs housing more than 6 workers.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. JTC, SLA, home owners).
  2. For Industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA and before applying for FEDA licence, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for CTQ, endorsed by the QP, shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the CTQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB's approval for the CTQ.
  4. For CTQs with occupancy load of 200 or more, SCDF highly recommends that you:
  5. Submit MOM's documents and apply for a FEDA licence. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService.
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for CTQ.

You should also:

  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the CTQ and put in measures to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain both MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Final Clearance (FC) letter. You are not required to obtain a FEDA licence.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. JTC, SLA, home owners).
  2. For industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA and to obtain MOM's FC letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for CTQ, endorsed by the QP, shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the CTQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB's approval for the CTQ.
  4. For CTQs with occupancy load of 200 or more, SCDF highly recommends that you:
  5. Submit MOM's documents to confirm the permissible occupancy load. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be always available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService.
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for CTQ.

You should also:

  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the CTQ and put in measures to ensure it is properly maintained.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

For contractors working on renovation projects on landed private property (semi-detached/ terrace houses/ bungalows)

If you intend to house your employees or sub-contractor's employees onsite, you must:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from the homeowner.
  2. Engage a QP and submit your main site plan, demarcating clearly the living quarters and the worksite.
  3. Complete the declaration form for PRP undergoing A&A works and submit it to MOM for assessment.
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)

Download all forms and samples for CTQ.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Conduct regular checks on the premises and ensure that the conditions of the CTQ is properly maintained.
  • Maintain regular communication with your employees and inform them to highlight any housing issues. You should work closely with your employees in rectifying the issues.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are intending to extend your CTQ after the date indicated in your Declaration Form, you are required to do the following:

  1. Obtain a letter from your developer
    • Indicate the reason for extension.
    • Indicate a new end date in the format of DD MMM YYYY.
  2. Fill up a new on-site workers' quarters declaration form if there is a change in the Person-of-Contact
  3. Submit the document(s) to MOM.

You may be required to apply for a FEDA licence if you are submitting an extension request beyond 31 March 2025. Please refer to the earlier segment on the necessary steps that you need to adhere to.

Temporary Occupation Licence quarters (TOLQ)Show

What are TOL quarters

TOLs are temporary occupation licences issued by a government agency (or their managing agents) owning the land. They allow employers to establish temporary quarters on a plot of land that's typically near a construction site to support a specific project.

TOLQ can be:

  • Pre-fabricated temporary buildings
  • Refurnished buildings
Allowed to house Construction sector foreign employees working at that particular construction project

Select the type of TOLQ application that best suits your occupancy load (OL)

From 1 April 2023, you are required to MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) before applying for FEDA Licence for new TOLQs housing more than 6 workers.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. TC, SLA).
  2. For Industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA before applying for FEDA licence, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for TOLQ, endorsed by the QP, shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the TOLQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB's approval for the TOLQ.
  4. Submit MOM's documents and apply for a FEDA licence. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService.

If you're operating permanent buildings as quarters on TOLQ

You must:

  • Complete the steps above.
  • To engage Qualified Person (QP) to submit plans to SCDF to get approval for the fire safety works to be carried out. The quarter shall obtain Temporary Fire Permit/Fire Safety Certificate before it can be occupied.
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for TOL quarters.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Conduct regular checks on the premises and ensure that the conditions of the TOLQ is properly maintained.
  • Maintain regular communication with your employees and inform them to highlight any housing issues. You should work closely with your employees in rectifying the issues.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain both MOM's In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Final Clearance (FC) letter. You are not required to obtain a FEDA licence.

To obtain MOM's IPA letter, you are required to do the following:

  1. Consult and obtain permission from land owner (i.e. TC, SLA).
  2. For Industrial projects, obtain NEA's no-objection letter. Refer to application for new dormitories at industrial area.
  3. Complete the on-site workers quarters application form and submit it to MOM for assessment.

Any waiver of design specifications must be sought before constructing the workers' quarters.

After obtaining MOM's IPA before applying for FEDA licence, you are required to do the following:

  1. Engage a Qualified Person (QP) to prepare a building plan. The plan for TOLQ, endorsed by the QP shall be available on-site at all times for inspection by MOM officers.
  2. Engage NEA to ensure that, other than the health and safety buffer, adequate sanitary facilities are provided and will not result in dis-amenities or public health nuisance to neighbouring premises (for projects in non-industrial area). Obtain NEA's approval for the TOLQ.
  3. Engage PUB to ensure adequate water supply and connection to the sewerage system and obtain PUB's approval for the TOLQ.
  4. Submit MOM's documents to confirm the permissible occupancy load. Safekeep the other agencies' documents to be available on-site for inspection. This step is needed in order to start registering your employees to the address using OFWAS or EP eService.

If you are operating permanent buildings as quarters on TOLQ

You must:

  • Complete the steps above.
  • To engage Qualified Person (QP) to submit plans to SCDF to get approval for the fire safety works to be carried out. The quarter shall obtain Temporary Fire Permit/Fire Safety Certificate before it can be occupied
MOM's documents (mandatory items to submit)
Other agencies' documents (samples only, safekeep on-site)

Download all forms and samples for TOL quarters.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Conduct regular checks on the premises and ensure that the conditions of the TOLQ is properly maintained.
  • Maintain regular communication with your employees and inform them to highlight any housing issues. You should work closely with your employees in rectifying the issues.
  • Educate your employees to highlight problems with their housing to the dormitory operator and work with the dormitory operator to rectify them.

If you are intending to extend your TOLQ after the date indicated in your Declaration Form, you are required to do the following:

  1. Obtain a letter from your developer
    • Indicate the reason for extension.
    • Indicate a new end date in the format of DD MMM YYYY.
  2. Fill up a new on-site workers' quarters declaration form if there is a change in the Person-of-Contact
  3. Submit the document(s) to MOM.

You may be required to apply for a FEDA licence if you are submitting an extension request beyond 31 March 2025. Please refer to the earlier segment on the necessary steps that you need to adhere to.

Workers' Quarters at Farms (WQFs)Show

What are WQFs Living quarters for workers working and residing on farm premises.
Allowed to house Workers employed by the farm owner

Select the type of WQF application that best suits your occupancy load (OL)

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain a FEDA licence for new WQFs housing more than 6 workers.

Non-food farms or plant nurseries under NParks
  1. Obtain NParks' lease or tenancy agreement.

    You may write to NParks CUGE Industry Development Branch for lease or tenancy, or tender-related queries.

  2. Apply for a FEDA licence and attach NParks' lease or tenancy agreement, main site plan and farm location form to MOM for assessment.
Coastal fish culture farms under SFA
  1. Apply and obtain SFA's coastal fish culture farm licence.

    Refer to licence application for fish culture farm.

  2. Apply for a FEDA licence and attach SFA's coastal fish culture farm licence, main site plan and farm location form to MOM for assessment.
Food farms (land) under SFA
  1. Apply and obtain SFA's food farm licence.

    Refer to starting a farm: an industry guide.

  2. Apply for a FEDA licence and attach SFA's food farm licence, main site plan and farm location form to MOM for assessment.
All other farms
  1. Obtain a copy of SLA's tenancy agreement or state lease.

    Refer to SLA's rental of state land and property, or write to SLA's Commercial Leasing Department (Attention: Mr Tan Kai Heng) for tenancy-related queries. SLA's Land Sale and Transfer Division (Attention: Mr Teo Eng Joo) to purchase a copy of the state lease.

  2. Apply for a FEDA licence and attach SLA's tenancy agreement or state lease, main site plan and farm location form to MOM for assessment.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Conduct regular checks on the premises and ensure that the conditions of the WQF is properly maintained.
  • Maintain regular communication with your employees and inform them to highlight any housing issues. You should work closely with your employees in rectifying the issues.

From 1 April 2023, you are required to obtain Final Clearance (FC) letter. You are not required to obtain a FEDA licence.

Non-food farms or plant nurseries under NParks
  1. Obtain NParks' lease or tenancy agreement.

    You may write to NParks CUGE Industry Development Branch for lease or tenancy, or tender-related queries.

  2. Submit the completed WQF declaration form and attach NParks' lease or tenancy agreement and main site plan to MOM for assessment.
Coastal fish culture farms under SFA
  1. Apply and obtain SFA's coastal fish culture farm licence.

    Refer to licence application for fish culture farm.

  2. Submit the completed WQF declaration form and attach SFA's coastal fish culture farm licence and main site plan to MOM for assessment.
Food farms (land) under SFA
  1. Apply and obtain SFA's food farm licence.

    Refer to starting a farm: an industry guide.

  2. Submit the completed WQF declaration form and attach SFA's food farm licence and main site plan to MOM for assessment.
All other farms
  1. Obtain a copy of SLA's tenancy agreement or state lease.

    Refer to SLA's rental of state land and property, or write to SLA's Commercial Leasing Department (Attention: Mr Tan Kai Heng) for tenancy-related queries. SLA's Land Sale and Transfer Division (Attention: Mr Teo Eng Joo) to purchase a copy of the state lease.

  2. Submit the completed WQF declaration form and attach SLA's tenancy agreement or state lease and main site plan to MOM for assessment.

If you are intending to extend your WQF after the date indicated in your Declaration Form, you are required to do the following:

  1. Obtain a new tenancy agreement or licence from your governing agency.
  2. Fill up a new WQF declaration form if there is a change in the Person-of-Contact
  3. Submit the document(s) to MOM.

HDB flatsShow

What are HDB flats Public housing flats managed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB), which may be rented out as a whole flat or by rooms, subject to HDB's approval.
Allowed to house The following foreign employees are allowed to rent HDB flats:
  • Employment Pass holders
  • EntrePass holders
  • Personalised Employment Pass holders
  • S Pass holders
  • Work Permit (WP) holders who either:
    • Are Malaysians, or
    • Work in the services sector.
  • Non-Malaysian WP holders from the manufacturing sector are allowed to rent bedrooms, but not the whole flat.

The number of bedrooms that flat owners can rent out and the maximum number of tenants and occupants allowed in each flat depends on the flat type as shown below.

Whole flat

Flat type Max number of occupants
1-room or 2-room 4
3-room 6
4-room or bigger 8

Bedrooms

Flat type Max number of bedrooms
1-room or 2-room Not allowed
3-room 1
4-room or bigger 2

Note: Flats rented from HDB cannot be sublet.

For more info, refer to the HDB website.

What you need to do

Before you can register your employee's address using OFWAS or EP eService, you must:

  • Ensure that the HDB flat owner registers your employees as tenants with HDB before they move in. Your employees can use HDB's eService to check if the flat owner has registered them as tenants of the flat.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Sign a written tenancy agreement with the flat owner.
  • If your employees rent the place themselves, encourage them to sign a written tenancy agreement with the flat owner.
  • Get a copy of the HDB rental approval letter from the flat owner.
  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the HDB flat. Use the checklist for HDB as a guide.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Provide ways for employees to highlight problems with the housing, and make arrangements with the flat owner to rectify them.

If video recording devices are installed in the unit, you must inform your employees of the devices and where they are placed. You should further ensure that they are not installed in areas that will compromise their privacy or modesty, such as bathrooms and sleeping areas.

Avoid falling for rental scams. If you are engaging a property agent, check his or her mobile number with CEA's Public Registry to verify the identity of your property agent. Scammers are putting up fake property listings online and impersonating property agents to scam victims into making payment to secure an appointment to view or rent properties.

Private residential premises (PRPs)Show

What are PRPs Private properties such as condominiums, landed residential properties, terrace houses, semi-detached houses, bungalows, residential units in shop houses, etc.
Allowed to house All foreign employees
PRP owners don't need to register their tenants with URA. For PRP owners who are renting out their property for the first time, they are required to login to Foreign Worker Tenant Enquiry Service (FWTES) to complete a one-time declaration process.

Private residential properties are subjected to an occupancy cap of 6 unrelated persons per property. For PRPs 90 sm or bigger, the occupancy is up to 8 unrelated persons, subject to URA's approval.

  • Unrelated persons refer to anyone who is not part of the same family unit.
  • Domestic helpers are considered part of the same family unit.
  • The occupancy cap also applies to tenants who sublet the property.

For example, a family of six with domestic helpers are considered part of the same family unit and will not be subjected to the occupancy cap.

However, A family of four who stays and rent out part of the property will be subjected to the occupancy cap. They are allowed to accommodate a maximum of two additional unrelated persons on the property.

What you need

If you're unable to update your employee's address in OFWAS or EP eService, you must:

  1. Ask the homeowner to check and remove the work pass holders who are not staying at their premises using Foreign Worker Tenant Enquiry Service (FWTES).
  2. After the homeowner has removed the work pass holders, you can update your employee's address in OFWAS or EP eService.

We highly recommend you to:

  • Sign a written tenancy agreement with the homeowner.
  • If your employees rent the place themselves, encourage them to sign a written tenancy agreement with the homeowner.
  • Conduct regular checks on the state of the PRP, to ensure no overcrowding and that the living conditions are satisfactory. Use the checklist for PRP as a guide. The latest approved use of the premises can be verified on URA Space.
  • Educate your employees on the expected level of housing standards.
  • Provide ways for employees to highlight problems with their housing, and make arrangements with the homeowner to rectify them.

If video recording devices are installed in the unit, you must inform your employees of the devices and where they are placed. You should further ensure that they are not installed in areas that will compromise their privacy or modesty, such as bathrooms and sleeping areas.

Avoid falling for rental scams. If you are engaging a property agent, check his or her mobile number with CEA's Public Registry to verify the identity of your property agent. Scammers are putting up fake property listings online and impersonating property agents to scam victims into making payment to secure an appointment to view or rent properties.