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About the Social Residential Homes Act (SRHA)

What is the SRHA?

The Social Residential Homes Act (SRHA) was enacted in April 2025 and came into operation on 1 July 2026. The SRHA:

(a) Establishes a common regulatory framework to codify and harmonise care standards, and strengthen safeguards for residents’ safety and well-being across various types of Social Residential Homes; and

(b) Replaces existing legislation, including the Homes for the Aged Act and relevant provisions in the Children and Young Persons Act and Destitute Persons Act.

The three key features of the SRHA are as follows:

1. Clear standards for Social Residential Homes to deliver quality care.

2. Stronger safeguards for residents' safety and well-being.

3. A more comprehensive enforcement framework to deter errant operators.

Who needs to hold a SRHA licence?

Licensable Social Residential Homes (SRHs) are defined under the First Schedule to the Act. You may require a SRHA licence if you operate a residential facility or service that houses any of the following groups, and is not a healthcare premise:

Children, who are 21 years of age or younger
Elderly persons, who are 60 years of age or older
Persons with disabilities
Destitute persons

Operators intending to operate a licensable SRH must obtain a corresponding licence prior to commencing operations. Under Section 6 of the Act, unauthorised operation of a licensable SRH is an offence and may be liable to: (i) a fine not exceeding $100,000 ($200,000 where there is any previous qualifying conviction), or (ii) imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or (iii) both.

If you are unsure whether you need a SRHA licence or have further licensing-related enquiries, please write in to MSF_RPL@msf.gov.sg.

Find out more about the Social Residential Homes here.