Can I rent a HDB room for 3 months?
The short answer is no.
Under current Singapore housing laws, the minimum rental period for any HDB flat or HDB bedroom is strictly 6 months.
However, you can legally rent a condominium or apartment for 3 months.
If you are looking for a short-term stay in Singapore, understanding this difference is critical to avoid legal penalties. Here is the official breakdown of the rules and your best legal alternatives.
The HDB 6-Month Rule (Official)
According to the Housing & Development Board (HDB), all HDB rentals must meet a minimum tenancy period of 6 months. This applies to:
- Renting out the entire flat.
- Renting out individual bedrooms.
- Subletting from an existing tenant.
Official Source: Regulations for Renting a Flat/ Bedroom
Why is it illegal?
HDB flats are subsidized public housing intended for long-term residence, not for use as transient accommodation for tourists or short-term visitors.
What are the penalties?
HDB takes illegal rentals seriously.
- Landlords: Can face fines of up to S$50,000 or have their flat compulsorily acquired (confiscated).
- Tenants: You may be evicted immediately with no legal recourse to get your deposit back.
Can I rent a condo for 3 months? (The Legal Alternative)
Yes. If you need a rental for less than 6 months, you must look at private residential properties (condos, apartments, landed houses).
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) allows private properties to be rented out for a minimum of 3 consecutive months. This makes private condos the only legal option for stays between 3 to 6 months.
Official Source: URA Short-Term Accommodation Rules
Summary of Minimum Rental Periods
Property Type | Minimum Rental Period | Legal for 3 Months? |
|---|---|---|
HDB Flat (Whole/Room) | 6 Months | ❌ NO |
Private Condo / Apartment | 3 Months | ✅ YES |
Hotel / Serviced Apartment | Daily / Weekly | ✅ YES |
How to Find a 3-Month Condo Rental (Without the Hassle)
While renting a condo for 3 months is legal, finding a landlord willing to accept a short lease can be difficult. Most landlords on property portals prefer 1 or 2-year contracts.
Why is it so hard?
- Agent Commissions: Landlords typically pay agent fees to find a tenant. Short leases mean paying these fees more often, eating into their profit.
- Vacancy Risk: Every time a tenant leaves, the unit might sit empty for weeks. Landlords prefer the stability of a long-term tenant to avoid this income loss.
- Administrative Hassle: The endless cycle of viewings, contract drafting, and handover inspections is something most individual landlords want to avoid.
The Solution: Cove Flexible Rentals
At Cove, we specialize in flexible living. The vast majority of our rooms and studios are located in apartment & condos, making them fully legal for 3-month stays.
- 100% Legal: All our private property listings comply with the URA 3-month rule.
- All-Inclusive: Utilities, WiFi, and weekly housekeeping are included in the bill.
- Fully Furnished: Move in immediately with just your suitcase.
Looking for a 3-month rental in Singapore? Browse our available apartment & condo rooms here.