When do you need an HDB renovation permit, and how do you get one?

Works that need an HDB renovation permit

HDB renovation rules split works into those that need a permit and those that do not. Flat owners are responsible for renovations in their flat and must make sure the contractor follows HDB's guidelines, according to its important information on renovations page.

According to MyNiceHome's guide to renovating your HDB flat, you need a permit to replace or relay floor finishes, raise floor levels in the kitchen, balcony, bathroom or toilet, hack or alter walls, or move doors. Plans such as the layout, elevations, sections or details must be submitted when fittings are removed or repositioned, or when walls are hacked or built.

A main door that faces a staircase or lift lobby sits on a fire escape route, so replacing it needs a permit. The new door and frame must be half-hour fire-rated with a door closer (MyNiceHome).

Toilet finishes in new BTO flats

In a new BTO flat, you must wait 3 years before removing the wall or floor finishes in your toilets. You can overlay new tiles on the existing ones instead. After the 3 years, changing toilet finishes needs a permit (MyNiceHome).

Works that usually do not need one

Installing an aircon does not need an HDB permit if your flat can take the higher electrical load. This mainly covers flats built from 1994 and flats upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) or Home Improvement Programme (HIP). The aircon must be installed by a BCA-trained air-conditioner installer (MyNiceHome).

HDB's air-conditioner installation works page says flats with a 40 amp main switch, and MUP or HIP upgraded flats, do not need a permit but should still follow its guidelines. Flats with a 30 amp main switch have separate requirements, so check that page before you buy a unit. You remain responsible for the proper installation, safety and stability of the aircon.

Shower screens usually do not need an HDB permit either, but check HDB's renovation guidelines for your flat before work starts. If you are adding power points at the same time, read our notes on planning electrical points before renovation.

How to apply, step by step

You do not usually fill in the form yourself. Your contractor must be in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors and can make the HDB renovation permit application online for you (MyNiceHome). The Housing & Development (Renovation Control) Rules 2006 require owners to engage only contractors from that directory (HDB).

1. Choose a listed contractor. Pick a firm from HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors. Window works also need a BCA-approved window contractor listed in the directory.
2. Agree the scope. List every item so you both know which works need a permit and which plans are required. The renovation permit checker shows which common works need one.
3. Let the contractor submit online. The contractor applies for you, with plans where walls or fittings change.
4. Wait for HDB's SMS. HDB sends an SMS when it receives the application.
5. Check the permit. View it with HDB's Check Renovation Permit e-service and confirm the works it covers.
6. Start work within the rules. Begin only once the permit is in place, and keep to the allowed work hours.
7. Finish within the time HDB sets. After approval, complete the renovation within 3 months for a new flat or 1 month for an existing flat.

Work hours and neighbours

HDB renovation hours depend on how noisy the work is. General works are allowed Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Noisy works, such as demolishing walls or removing wall or floor finishes, are allowed only Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. No works are allowed on Sundays or public holidays, and noisy works are also not allowed on the eve of major public holidays, according to MyNiceHome.

Hacking and tile removal can only happen on weekdays, so ask your contractor how many days the noisy works will take, and let your neighbours know which days to expect.

Contact your Town Council to dispose of bulky items, and make sure your contractor disposes of renovation debris properly (MyNiceHome). If you are not sure who handles a particular problem, see HDB or condo repairs: who to ask.

Walls you must never drill

The walls of the household shelter must not be hacked or drilled, and its door must be left intact (MyNiceHome).

Reinforced concrete walls also need care. Our guide to HDB drilling rules explains what to check before anyone drills into a wall in your flat.

What to check before you sign a contractor

Before you sign, check these points:

• Directory listing. The firm is in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors.
• Who applies. Who submits the permit application and who prepares any plans HDB needs.
• Timeline. The schedule fits the time HDB allows after approval, with noisy works on allowed weekdays.
• Debris disposal. How renovation debris will be removed, and whether you need to arrange bulky item disposal with the Town Council.

Price depends on the job and the scope you agree, so write the scope down first. Then compare handyman services in the directory, where each company's published prices link to their source.

Questions