A woman from China who came to Singapore for work found herself in a shocking living situation after renting a bed in a Jurong West three-room HDB flat for S$450 a month. She paid one month’s rent and a deposit — totalling S$900 — without viewing the unit, only to discover later that the flat had been illegally partitioned to squeeze in at least 14 tenants.
Her ordeal lasted just 10 days before she packed up, quit her job at a beauty salon in the area, and returned to China, abandoning her rent and deposit. Photos of the flat revealed cramped walkways, makeshift curtains draped over bunk beds, and clothes strung across windows. The unhygienic conditions, coupled with the overcrowding, left her unable to endure any longer.
Unliveable Conditions Inside the Flat
The flat, located at Block 501 Jurong West Street 51, had been divided into four sections: two housing six people each, one occupied by a couple, and another by an unknown number of tenants. According to the woman’s sister, who reported the case to local media, the unit resembled a “pigsty”, reported Shin Min Daily News.
The master bedroom, where the woman rented a bed, came with an attached toilet, but she was not permitted to use it or even open the windows. Instead, she was forced to share the common bathroom with all other tenants. Describing the air as “foul and stagnant”, she recounted long queues just to wash up or bathe.
Clutter was everywhere — from more than 10 pairs of shoes lined up in the hallway to suitcases stacked along narrow passageways. The refrigerator was packed with random food items and condiments, while dirty floors and stained walls painted a grim picture of neglect.
Illegal Subletting Raises Concerns
Under current HDB regulations, a three-room flat can legally house a maximum of six tenants. For larger units, the cap is eight unrelated tenants until the end of 2026. However, this Jurong West flat had well exceeded the limits, pointing to a likely case of illegal subletting.
The woman’s sister also revealed that all tenants shared a single key, hidden outside the unit, raising security risks. Reporters who later visited the block noted that many neighbours were unaware of the overcrowded conditions, as the unit had no number displayed on its door and occupants kept a low profile.
When approached, the alleged master tenant initially admitted to renting out the flat but quickly denied any involvement after realising she was speaking to a reporter. She refused to answer whether she knew such subletting practices were illegal.
Broader Implications for Housing Rules
Cases like this highlight the risks faced by foreigners arriving in Singapore without proper housing arrangements. The woman’s experience also underscores the importance of viewing a property before paying deposits, especially given Singapore’s strict housing regulations.
With demand for rental housing remaining high, the authorities have repeatedly reminded the public that overcrowding not only breaches HDB rules but also poses safety and hygiene concerns. Illegal subletting of HDB flats can lead to severe penalties, including compulsory repossession of the unit.
For this woman, her short-lived attempt to settle in Singapore ended abruptly, costing her S$900 and her job opportunity. Her story serves as a warning to others about the dangers of rushing into rental agreements without due diligence.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News