2019 Novel Coronavirus: Action to be Taken Against Errant Landlords

*This article was updated on 6 February 2020. 

The Government will act against landlords who evict individuals serving their Home Quarantine Order or Leave of Absence due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus situation.

The types of action taken against them may include restrictions and a ban from renting out their flats to foreign work pass holders, said the Ministry of National Development (MND), Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in a joint statement on 3 February 2020.

The statement comes after the Government received feedback from companies, employers and institutes of higher learning (IHL), on instances where workers and students who were placed on Home Quarantine Order or Leave of Absence were evicted by their landlords.

With effect from 31 January 2020, residents with travel history to mainland China and long-term pass holders with a travel history to China would be put on a 14-day Leave of Absence from the day of their return.

Long-term pass holders include those holding work passes, student pass, dependent’s pass and long-term visit pass.

“People place on Home Quarantine Orders or Leave of Absence, who could be workers or students, are well, and that these are simply precautionary measures to protect Singaporeans from the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus,” said MND, MOE and MOM as advice to the general public.

MND, MOE and MOM added that those with fever or respiratory symptoms will be sent to a hospital for assessment and isolated if they are suspect cases.

"We understand that the affected individuals, who were residing in both public and private housing, have been able to find alternative accommodation including with the help of their employers, IHL and Government agencies," they said.

Persons on Leave of Absence who have been evicted and cannot find alternative accommodation may turn to 1800-333-9999 for assistance.

Update as of 6 February 2020: 

In a visit to Tuas View Dormitory on 6 February 2020, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said employers can also approach MOM for assistance if they find it difficult to find alternative accommodation for their employees to serve their LOA.

These workers will be put in dormitories that have isolation and quarantine rooms. However, Mr Wong added that there were few employees who have been unable to find a place for their workers.

Mandatory 14-day LOA for Returning Workers

Mr Wong's visit also saw him announce that all workers returning from China will be put on a mandatory 14-day LOA.  

Employers must also now notify MOM before their employees return from China. This is to allow the Government to better plan and stagger the flow of returning workers.

For every employee who is on LOA, the Government will give $100 a day to their employer. This applies to workers who are Singaporean, Permanent Residents or on work pass.

The Government will also waive the foreign worker levy for employers during their employees’ LOA, said Mr Wong.

The authorities will step up enforcement measures to ensure both employees and employers adhere to the LOA or quarantine orders. Mr Wong said that these could come in the form of surveillance such as video calls and spot checks. These measures have already been put in place for those serving a Home Quarantine Order.

Mr Wong added that the authorities are currently drawing up penalties for those who do not comply with their LOA or quarantine orders.