A Teban Gardens three-room flat is under investigation by the Housing and Development Board for cramming up to 20 tenants in the space, reported Shin Min Daily News. It was former tenant Mr Tian, 25, who lodged the complaint. He had rented a bed from the master tenant for $250 a month, but to his horror, discovered over 20 people living in the flat.
One of the bedrooms housed four double-decker beds, the living room was partitioned by curtains into four areas, and even the storeroom was rented out. Common facilities were all shared, including the refrigerator and the washing machine, and everyone had to get in line to use one bathroom. With such living conditions, the turnover rate was high, and he estimates about 17 tenants living in the Block 44 flat now.
Apparently, the flat owner had gotten HDB’s approval to sublet the flat, and HDB received feedback about it last year, but its inspections and interviews with neighbours did not point to any signs of unauthorised subletting. If he is found guilty as charged, the flat owner could be fined or the flat repossessed.
HDB’s investigations of the suspected overcrowding case are ongoing.
