Flat owner forced to move out after tenants refuse to leave
Dispute between a landlord and his tenants involving a HDB flat in Hougang turns ugly.
A 51-year-old owner of a three-room flat in Hougang Avenue 8 was forced to move out of his own home, after his tenants (a couple) refused to leave the flat, reported Shin Min Daily News.
The homeowner, who works at a supermarket, began renting his flat out 10 years ago to supplement his income.
The couple moved into his home in July 2013. After paying their rent for the next nine months, the couple suddenly stopped making their payments and even refused to move out.
With this, the homeowner decided to move out and began renting a house from a colleague.
“It’s been three years and I had given them many chances, yet they deliberately delay payment and refuse to move out…My family members worry for my safety and advised me to move out,” he said.
“I have a home, yet somehow I’m homeless and have to rent a room from someone else…This is laughable indeed.”
Reporters who visited the unit found the couple living in the flat.
The 35-year-old woman shared that her husband is unable to work after he sustained injuries from a car accident last year. Meanwhile, she suffers from depression as well as an autoimmune disease known as Lupus erythematosus, hence, is also unable to work.
Nonetheless, they revealed plans to move out by next Friday, even though they have no idea where to go or whom to ask for help.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
