10-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) Finding suitable accommodation while working abroad can be a challenging task, and for those based in Singapore, a recent listing for a bomb shelter room has raised eyebrows due to its exorbitant price and lack of amenities.
A post on Xiaohongshu by a user named 哈咯哈 showcased an advertisement for a bomb shelter room within The Esparis, a condominium situated along Pasir Ris Drive 4. However, what is truly shocking is the monthly rent for this cramped space—S$650.
What makes the situation even more bewildering is that this bomb shelter room is devoid of windows, a fan, air-conditioning, or a mattress. The only furnishings provided are a bed and a small wooden shelf beside it. The post’s caption reflects the astonishment of the original poster, who questioned the legality of such a rental.
Moreover, the landlord imposed several house rules for potential tenants, including a minimum one-year contract, a ban on smoking in the room (except in the kitchen), restrictions on alcohol consumption, equal sharing of water and electricity bills, advance notice required for visitors, and a no-disturbance policy for snorers.
The landlord also claimed to welcome individuals from various professions, including flight attendants, airport or warehouse staff, and those employed in the Loyang Industrial Estate.
For those who wish to “upgrade” to the master bedroom, the monthly rent amounts to S$1,400. Individuals without a permanent address in Singapore are offered a S$50 discount.
This advertisement, however, did not sit well with netizens, who expressed their outrage over the high rental fee for a bomb shelter room. Under Singaporean law, it is illegal to rent out HDB bomb shelters, utility rooms, or storerooms, although no such regulations apply to private properties.
