HDB Renovation Permit Guide: What Requires Approval (2026)
Renovating your HDB flat is exciting — but get the approvals wrong and you could face fines, mandatory reinstatement, and serious delays. This guide covers everything you need to know about HDB renovation permits in Singapore.
Do You Need an HDB Permit?
Most interior renovation works don't require a separate HDB permit — but structural, electrical, plumbing, and certain finishing works do. The key rule: if you're changing anything that affects the structure, safety systems, or shared building services, you need approval.
HDB uses a Renovation Contractor Registration Scheme (RCRS). Any contractor doing renovation work in your flat must be registered with HDB.
Works That Require HDB Approval
Structural Works
- Hacking of walls — only non-structural walls permitted; household shelter (bomb shelter) walls are strictly forbidden. Which walls you can remove depends partly on your layout, so it helps to understand the differences between 3-, 4-, and 5-room HDB flat sizes
- Demolition of internal walls — requires structural engineer endorsement
- New openings or enlargements in load-bearing walls — not permitted
- Floor hacking — permitted in some units but regulated (upper-floor units have stricter rules)
Electrical Works
- Consumer switch board (DB box) relocation — not permitted
- Additional power points beyond approved quota — requires SP Services application
- Three-phase power supply conversion — requires HDB approval
Plumbing and Sanitary Works
- Relocation of toilet bowl — requires HDB approval; waste pipes must maintain gradient
- Relocation of kitchen sink — requires PUB approval if moving waste pipe
- Adding a bathroom where there wasn't one — generally not permitted in standard layouts
- Floor trap repositioning — requires HDB approval
Windows and Balconies
- Window replacement — permitted but must use HDB-approved window designs
- Grille installation on windows — must comply with BCA quick-release requirements
- Balcony enclosure — limited to approved areas; enclosing beyond approved envelope is not permitted
- Window platform removal — safety barrier mandatory if removed
Works Strictly Prohibited in HDB Flats
| Prohibited Work | Reason |
|---|---|
| Hacking household shelter walls | Shelter integrity requirement |
| Relocating gas meter | SP Services and HDB restriction |
| Removing fire-rated walls | SCDF fire safety requirement |
| Changing window type without approval | BCA structural safety |
| Removing parapet walls | Fall prevention |
| Covering over floor traps | Drainage maintenance access |
How to Apply for HDB Renovation Approval
Step 1: Hire an RCRS-Registered Contractor
Check your contractor's registration on the HDB website. Unregistered contractors cannot legally do renovation work in HDB flats.
Step 2: Submit the Renovation Application
Your contractor submits the application to HDB on your behalf via the HDB e-Services portal. You'll need to:
- Provide a detailed scope of works
- Submit floor plans showing proposed changes
- Pay the application fee (typically S$20–S$75 depending on works)
Step 3: Wait for Approval
Processing typically takes 3–5 working days for standard works, longer for structural works requiring engineering endorsement.
Step 4: Notify Neighbours
Before renovation starts, HDB requires you to notify adjacent neighbours (including above, below, left, right). Most RCRS contractors handle this.
Step 5: Display the Permit
The renovation permit must be displayed at your flat entrance throughout the renovation period.
Renovation Hours in HDB
| Day | Permitted Hours |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 9:00am – 6:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am – 1:00pm |
| Sunday & Public Holidays | No work permitted |
Noisy works (hacking, drilling) have stricter limits and are typically only permitted on weekdays 9am–5pm. For the full picture on permitted hours and what counts as noisy work, see our guide to HDB renovation timing and noise rules.
Fees and Deposits
Most HDB estates require a renovation deposit of S$500–S$1,000 paid to your Town Council (not HDB). This covers potential damage to common areas and is refunded after inspection. Your RCRS contractor typically collects this on your behalf. If you're spreading the overall cost over time, see how an HDB renovation loan in Singapore works alongside these fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Starting work before approval Starting renovation before receiving written HDB approval can result in fines and mandatory reinstatement at your own cost.
2. Using an unregistered contractor Even if the contractor does good work, HDB can require reinstatement of all changes done by unregistered contractors.
3. Exceeding approved scope Contractors sometimes deviate from approved plans. Do walk-throughs regularly and ensure work matches what was approved.
4. Ignoring the household shelter This is the most common violation. The household shelter (the small room with thick walls, usually near the entrance) cannot be structurally modified in any way.
Visualise Before You Renovate
Before locking in your renovation scope and applying for permits, use AI design tools like ElumiHome to visualise different layouts and styles. This saves costly scope changes mid-renovation.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need an HDB permit to renovate my flat?
- Most interior finishing works do not need a separate permit, but structural, electrical, plumbing, and certain other works do require HDB approval according to HDB guidelines. The general rule is that anything affecting the structure, safety systems, or shared building services needs approval. Your HDB-registered contractor usually handles the permit application on your behalf.
- Can I hack the bomb shelter (household shelter) wall in my HDB flat?
- No, the household shelter walls, ceiling, floor, and door cannot be altered, hacked, or drilled into, as they are strictly protected under HDB guidelines. This applies even to hanging items or removing the shelter door. Violations can result in fines and mandatory reinstatement.
- What happens if I renovate without the required HDB approval?
- Carrying out works that need approval without it can lead to fines, mandatory reinstatement at your own cost, and delays to your renovation. HDB can require you to undo unauthorised works, which is far more expensive than getting approval upfront. Using only HDB-registered contractors helps ensure permits are obtained correctly.
- Who applies for the HDB renovation permit, me or my contractor?
- Your HDB-registered renovation contractor typically applies for the necessary permits through HDB's e-Services on your behalf. Only contractors registered under HDB's Renovation Contractors Registration Scheme are permitted to do the work and submit applications. You should still confirm that approvals are in place before works begin.
See your home transformed in 30 seconds
Upload your room photo and get stunning AI redesigns with HDB regulation checks and SGD renovation cost estimates.
Try Free — 3 DesignsNo credit card required