In a shocking turn of events, two young brothers, aged 20 and 22, have been left homeless after their father controversially raised the rent for his one-room HDB flat from a mere S$50 to an astounding S$1,500. This drastic change came just two days before their rental payment was due, and with their finances unable to handle such a hike, the brothers faced eviction.

The older sibling took to Reddit to share their distressing situation, revealing that they had been living in the flat without any issues for over a year. However, the sudden rent increase caught them completely off guard. When the brother requested evidence for this exorbitant hike, their father failed to provide any justification, instead threatening eviction if they didn't comply with the new rent amount.

With no time to gather such a large sum, the brothers were forced to vacate the premises. To exacerbate the situation, their father reportedly went so far as to file a police report to ensure they left the home. Currently, they are sofa surfing at a friend’s apartment in Potong Pasir, a temporary solution that does not seem sustainable.

The elder brother expressed concern about their limited options, sharing that his younger sibling has a serious lung condition that complicates their struggles. After reaching out to assistance services, they were told to submit additional documentation to receive help, leaving them anxious about how they can maintain their precarious living situation.

In desperate search for solutions, the brothers even contemplated relocating to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, where rent might be more affordable than in Singapore. They have reached out to the public for advice, stating, “I desperately need help finding a rental flat or financial assistance.”

Many Singaporean Reddit users have rallied to provide support and suggestions. Recommendations included visiting a Family Service Centre for social work assistance and possible shelter arrangements, as well as connecting with medical social workers due to the younger brother's health condition. There were also calls to seek out family support, homeless shelters, and social service offices for immediate help.

In a broader context, rental prices in Singapore are a significant concern, particularly for low-income families. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) offers subsidies for those with monthly household incomes of S$800 or less, allowing first-time applicants to rent studio units at remarkably low rates. However, rents increase significantly for those earning above these thresholds, making affordable housing a growing issue in the city-state.

As the brothers grapple with their uncertain future, their story sheds light on the urgent need for resources and assistance for vulnerable individuals in challenging situations. With ongoing discussions and community support, there remains hope that these brothers can find stable housing and begin to rebuild their lives.