Space is tight in many HDB flats, and not every home has a spare room. MOM's accommodation rules still apply, and with some planning most families can give their helper a safe, private place to sleep.
What MOM requires
MOM's employer guide says a helper's accommodation must provide:
- Adequate shelter from sun, rain and strong winds.
- Basic amenities: at least a mattress, pillow, blanket, bathroom amenities and toiletries.
- Sufficient ventilation, with a fan if natural ventilation is not enough.
- Safety: she must not sleep near dangerous equipment or structures.
- Modesty: she must not sleep in the same room as a male adult or teenager.
- Space and privacy: a separate room where possible; otherwise, adequate space and privacy.
Cameras at home
If you install video recording devices, MOM says you must tell your helper about them and where they are. They must not be placed where they compromise her privacy or modesty, such as where she sleeps, changes clothes or bathes.
Options in an HDB flat
- A bedroom: the simplest option, even if small, as long as it is ventilated and has a proper bed.
- Sharing with children or an elderly woman: possible where there is space and privacy, and no male adult or teenager in the room.
- A partitioned area: a curtain or screen in a quiet corner can add privacy, provided ventilation and safety are covered.
Avoid spaces that are unsafe or unventilated, such as a cramped storeroom without airflow, or a spot beside kitchen appliances.
Small touches that help
- A lockable drawer or box for her personal documents and belongings.
- A reading light and a place to charge her phone.
- Hooks or a small wardrobe for clothes.
- Quiet time in her space during rest periods.
Plan it before hiring
Decide where she will sleep before you choose a helper, and describe it honestly in the interview. MOM may interview helpers and visit homes to check on well-being, so a clear arrangement also helps if questions come up.
When you are ready, browse helper biodata or read our first-time employer guide.
Official source: MOM's rest days, health and well-being page.
A quick self-check
- Can she close a door, curtain or screen when resting or changing?
- Is there airflow or a working fan, day and night?
- Is her bed away from appliances, gas pipes or anything that could fall?
- Does she know where every camera in the home is?
- Does she have a mattress, pillow, blanket and her own toiletries?
If every answer is yes, you are meeting the core of MOM's guidance.
Common questions
Can my helper sleep in the living room?
MOM requires adequate space and privacy if she has no separate room. An open living room is hard to make private, so consider a screened area or sharing a suitable room instead.
Can she share a room with my young son?
MOM says she must not sleep in the same room as a male adult or teenager. For young children, think about privacy and space, and plan ahead for when they grow older.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Procedures change, so confirm the current steps on mom.gov.sg or with your licensed employment agency.
