We refer to Ms Li Shi-En Lisa's online letter "A flat yes, but not when you need it most?" (Jan 20).

The Housing and Development Board's (HDB) Public Rental Scheme provides heavily subsidised rental flats to help truly needy Singaporeans who have no other housing options. For example, the rental for a subsidized 1R flat is as low as $26 a month. To safeguard these public rental flats for needy Singaporeans, the eligibility criteria have been revised so that assets, sale proceeds and family support are taken into account. With the revised criteria in place, the waiting time for a rental flat is now reduced. To reduce the waiting time further, we are building more rental flats over the next three years. A large proportion of those currently on the waiting list had joined the queue before the eligibility criteria was revised. Some of them have alternative housing options. HDB has been looking into the circumstances of each case to help those with urgent housing need first.

Ms Li also mentioned "homeless" persons. In many of the cases we encountered, they have sold their flats for sizeable proceeds or have previously enjoyed housing subsidies. In general, families should be the first line of support for those in need. Nevertheless, HDB, other Government agencies and Voluntary Welfare Organisations will assist them if they take personal responsibility for their actions and are prepared to work to stand on their feet again.

As for the two blocks cited by Ms Li, they are vacated flats due for demolition soon. To maximize the use of resources, they are being used for short-term rental in the interim. The current market rental is about $1,500 per month for each 3-room flat. These flats are open to rental to both Singaporeans and foreigners.

We thank Ms Li for her feedback.