What reinstatement works need an HDB permit?

Works that typically need an HDB renovation permit include hacking or altering walls, changing floor finishes that affect waterproofing, and other structural or service changes. Undoing such works as part of reinstatement would normally also need a permit and a registered contractor. Always confirm with HDB's current renovation guidelines.

Does repainting an HDB flat need a registered contractor?

No. Repainting, patching nail holes, cleaning and removing free-standing tenant fixtures are not permit-required works, so they do not need an HDB-registered renovation contractor. Most HDB rental reinstatement falls into this category.

HDB Guide

Do You Need an HDB-Registered Contractor for Reinstatement?

By REINSTATE.by MCSG · Updated 24 June 2026 · 5 min read

It depends on the works. Permit-required renovation works in an HDB flat — hacking, structural changes, or anything affecting waterproofing — must be done by a contractor in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors. But most HDB rental reinstatement — repainting, patching, removing tenant fixtures — needs no permit and no registered contractor.

It's a common worry for HDB tenants and landlords at handover: does reinstatement need an HDB-licensed contractor? The honest answer is "only sometimes" — and knowing which side your works fall on saves both time and money.

When you DON'T need a registered contractor

Simple make-good works don't require a permit or a registered renovation contractor. That covers the bulk of HDB rental reinstatement.

Repainting walls to the original colour
Patching nail holes and minor making-good
Removing free-standing tenant fixtures, shelving and fittings
Deep cleaning and handover preparation

When you DO need one

If the reinstatement undoes works that needed an HDB renovation permit in the first place, you'll generally need a registered contractor and the right approval. These include:

Hacking or altering walls (and restoring them)
Floor-finish changes that affect waterproofing
Structural or service changes beyond cosmetic work

HDB's requirements and the list of permit-required works can change — always check HDB's current renovation guidelines and its Directory of Renovation Contractors before engaging anyone for permit-type works.

The grey area: unauthorised works

If a previous occupant carried out unauthorised renovation, HDB can require it to be reinstated — and that reinstatement may itself need a permit and a registered contractor. This is separate from ordinary tenancy reinstatement and is worth clarifying early, since it affects both cost and who's responsible.

What this means for your handover

List the works against your move-in inventory — most will be simple make-good.
Flag any permit-type works (hacking, waterproofing, structural) — those need a registered contractor.
Confirm current HDB rules for anything you're unsure about.
Use a reinstatement specialist who knows when a permit and registered contractor are required — and when they're not.

Not sure if your HDB reinstatement needs a permit?

Send us the flat and what was done to it — we'll tell you which works are simple make-good and which need a registered contractor and permit, then quote and manage the lot to a clean handover.

WhatsApp us for a quote →

HDB permit and registered-contractor requirements are set by HDB and may change — confirm against HDB's current renovation guidelines and its Directory of Renovation Contractors. This is general information, not official guidance or legal advice.