How to Check Your HDB Renovation Permit Status

In most cases you do not check an HDB renovation permit yourself. Your renovation contractor, who must be on HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors, applies for the permit through HDB's system and receives the approval or rejection. To confirm your permit status, the fastest route is to ask your contractor for the permit reference and approval letter, or log in to the HDB Flat Portal via Singpass and check the renovation section under your flat's e-services.

A renovation permit is HDB's way of confirming that your planned works are allowed and safe for the block. Not every job needs one, but many common items do, such as hacking walls, changing flooring, moving the kitchen or bathroom, and electrical or plumbing changes. Knowing where your permit stands protects you from fines, forced reinstatement, and disputes with neighbours or the town council.

Who actually applies for the HDB renovation permit?

The permit is applied for by your renovation contractor, not by you as the flat owner. Only contractors listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors are allowed to submit the application, and they must use their own HDB account to do so. This is why choosing a registered contractor matters: an unregistered handyman cannot legally pull a permit for permit-required works.

As the owner, your job is to give consent and make sure the works described in the application match what you actually agreed to. Read the permit conditions before work starts, because they set the approved hours, the scope, and the rules your contractor must follow.

How do I check my HDB renovation permit status online?

The most direct method for owners is the HDB Flat Portal. Log in with Singpass, go to the section for your flat, and look for the renovation or permit e-service to view submitted applications and their status. The status will usually show as pending, approved, or rejected.

If you cannot see it there, the simplest option is to ask your contractor. Registered contractors receive the permit result directly and can forward you the approval letter, the permit number, and the list of approved works. Keep a copy for your records and for the town council or your neighbours if anyone asks.

• Log in to the HDB Flat Portal using Singpass
• Open the e-service for your flat's renovation or permit
• Note the permit number, approval date, and approved scope
• Request the approval letter from your contractor as backup

How long does HDB take to approve a renovation permit?

For straightforward applications, approval is often issued quickly, sometimes within a few working days. Simple works that follow standard guidelines tend to clear faster than jobs involving hacking, structural elements, or changes that need extra checks.

If your application involves demolition of walls, waterproofing works, or anything HDB flags for closer review, allow more time and factor this into your renovation schedule. Do not let works that need a permit begin before approval is confirmed, even if the contractor is ready to start.

Which HDB renovation works need a permit?

Not everything requires a permit, but a large share of typical renovation items do. When in doubt, treat the work as permit-required and confirm with your contractor before anything is hacked, drilled, or rewired.

The exact list can change, so always check the current HDB guidelines, but the following are commonly permit-required.

• Hacking or demolishing walls, including partial hacking
• Changing or overlaying floor and wall finishes
• Relocating or altering the kitchen or bathroom layout
• Waterproofing works in wet areas
• Electrical rewiring and adding new power or lighting points
• Plumbing changes such as moving pipes or sanitary fittings

What if my permit is delayed, rejected, or missing?

If the status stays pending longer than expected, ask your contractor to confirm the application was actually submitted and whether HDB has requested more information. Delays often come from incomplete drawings or scope details that need clarifying.

A rejection usually means part of the proposed work is not allowed or needs to be revised. Your contractor should amend the application and resubmit with a compliant scope. If works were done without an approved permit, you may be asked to reinstate the affected areas at your own cost, so it is far cheaper to sort the permit out before any hacking begins.

Getting the work done by a registered HDB contractor

Because only contractors on HDB's approved directory can pull a permit, the single most important decision is who you hire. A proper HDB renovation contractor will handle the permit application, keep the works within the approved scope and hours, and give you the paperwork you need to prove everything was done above board.

If you want the permit, hacking, electrical, and plumbing all handled correctly under one roof, engaging an experienced HDB renovation contractor removes the guesswork. They know which items trigger a permit, submit the application on your behalf, and keep your project compliant from the first day to handover.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for an HDB renovation permit myself as the owner? No. Only a contractor listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors can submit the permit application. As the owner you give consent and confirm the scope, but the registered contractor lodges the application through HDB's system.

How do I get a copy of my renovation permit? Ask your contractor, who receives the approval directly and can send you the permit number and approval letter. You can also check the renovation e-service in the HDB Flat Portal after logging in with Singpass.

What happens if I renovate without a permit? You risk penalties and may be ordered to reinstate the unauthorised works at your own cost. It is always cheaper and safer to confirm the permit is approved before any hacking, rewiring, or plumbing changes start.

Do minor jobs like painting need a permit? Purely cosmetic works such as repainting usually do not need a permit, but many common upgrades like hacking, flooring, and wet-area works do. When unsure, check the current HDB guidelines or ask your registered contractor before starting.