SINGAPORE: In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, two brothers aged 20 and 22 have suddenly found themselves without a roof over their heads after an astronomical rent hike imposed by their father. The dramatic increase from S$50 to S$1,500 for their one-room HDB flat left them scrambling for shelter just days before the rent was due.

The older brother recounted their distressing situation in a post on Reddit, sharing that they had been living in the flat without any issues for over a year. However, everything changed unexpectedly in February when their father delivered the shocking news. "I asked him for proof of this increase, but he couldn't provide anything," the brother explained, adding that their father insisted on payment, or they would have to move out.

Faced with the reality of an unmanageable cost, the brothers, including one who suffers from a serious lung condition, were forcefully evicted. In a desperate move, their father even filed a police report to expedite their departure. "Currently, we're couch-surfing at a friend's place in Potong Pasir, but it’s only a temporary situation," the older brother wrote. "As a Tampines West resident, I reached out to the authorities for help, but I'm overwhelmed with the red tape."

Concerned about their precarious situation, the brothers have even explored relocating to Johor Bahru, where rental prices are significantly lower. “I genuinely need assistance in finding a suitable rental flat or financial support," he pleaded online, expressing the despair of their growing challenges.

Fortunately, the Reddit community rallied around them, offering practical advice and emotional support. Many urged him to consult social workers at local Family Service Centres to secure temporary housing. “Let the social workers help you and your brother find shelter,” one commenter suggested, emphasizing the importance of his younger brother's medical condition. They recommended presenting any medical documentation that could aid their case for support.

Other suggestions included seeking help from relatives, exploring homeless shelters, or applying for ComCare Assistance through the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). One helpful user even pointed out that HDB offers affordable rental options for those in need, particularly for first-time applicants with lower household incomes.

For a clearer picture, the HDB provides subsidised rental flats for families earning S$800 or less per month. First-time applicants can secure a one-room flat for as little as S$26 to S$33. However, as income levels increase, so do rental rates.

With no end in sight for their struggle, the brothers remain determined to find stable housing and financial aid to regain their footing in an environment where skyrocketing rent continues to be a pressing issue for many. This shocking story serves as a grim reminder of the challenges some families face in the modern housing market.

As they navigate their uncertain future, they hope to spread awareness, not only for their plight but also for others affected by similar housing crises. If you have any insights or resources that could assist them, please reach out!