ILLEGAL subletting of rental flats is an abuse of government subsidies meant to help poor households, said HDB. These rental flats are heavily subsidised and are meant for truly needy families without other housing options. Said an HDB spokesman: 'Only a very small number abuse the Public Rental Scheme by illegally subletting their flats.' HDB said it takes a very serious view of this matter and it has stepped up enforcement since 2007. 'One rental flat that is illegally sublet means one less unit to house a needy family,' said the spokesman. 'Where there is clear evidence of abuse, we will not hesitate to recover the rental flat and re-allocate the unit to a family in genuine need.' HDB advised prospective tenants who wish to rent a flat in the open market to check with an HDB branch office whether it is an HDB rental flat or a sold flat. Rental flats cannot be sublet to other sub-tenants. If it is a sold flat, the owner can sublet the whole flat after obtaining written approval from HDB. In such cases, prospective tenants may request the flat owner to show them a copy of HDB's in-principle approval or approval letter. They can also request the flat owner show documentary proof such as agreement for lease or service and conservancy charge or loan statements to verify ownership. http://www.tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,212504,00.html?