Malaysian Man’s Appreciation for Singaporean Landlord Reflects Rising Trend of Compassionate Landlords

(in reply to this article https://mothership.sg/2023/03/malaysian-grateful-700-month-rental/)

The rising cost of living and increasing rental prices in Singapore have made it challenging for many individuals and families to afford housing. In this context, compassionate landlords who are willing to keep rent low, offer flexibility, and provide additional support to their tenants are becoming increasingly valued.

The recent Facebook post by a Malaysian man, Steven Chong, expressing gratitude for his Singaporean landlord reflects this trend of compassionate landlords. Chong’s rent has remained at S$700 a month for two people, including electricity and water bills and internet usage, for the past six years.

Chong’s experience with his landlord reflects a more significantsocial trend of kindness and generosity in the face of economic challenges. As economic challenges continue to affect many individuals and families in Singapore, there is a growing recognition of the importance of community support networks and the need for individuals to help each other.

In recent years, there has been a rise in community-led initiatives, such as food banks and mutual aid groups, which reflect this trend of community support and mutual aid. These initiatives help to provide support and assistance to those in need, including individuals who are struggling to afford housing.

Chong’s landlord’s accommodating nature, which includes no restrictions on air conditioning usage, allowing cooking in the apartment as long as the kitchen is kept clean and odour-free, and allowing washing of clothes three times a week, highlights the importance of compassion and flexibility in the rental market.

Chong’s landlord’s willingness to keep rent low and provide additional support, such as providing a new double mattress twice in the past six years, reflects the importance of affordable housing in Singapore. While acts of kindness and generosity by landlords are commendable, they are ultimately a stopgap measure that cannot address the underlying structural issues that lead to economic hardship.

Therefore, in addition to individual acts of kindness, there is a need for systemic change to ensure that everyone has access to affordable housing and a decent standard of living. Policy changes that address the root causes of economic challenges, such as rising housing costs and income inequality, are necessary to create a more just and equitable society.

In Singapore, initiatives such as the Housing Development Board’s (HDB) public housing schemes aim to provide affordable housing to Singaporeans. However, more must be done to ensure affordable housing is accessible to everyone, including low-income households and marginalized communities.

Despite the challenges, the trend of compassionate landlords is a positive reflection of the kindness and generosity that exists in Singapore. By working together to support each other, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Chong’s experience also highlights the importance of good landlord-tenant relationships. Landlords who are considerate and understanding of their tenants’ needs can help foster a positive living environment and create a sense of community in rental housing. This is especially important in a city-state like Singapore, where a significant portion of the population lives in rental housing.

Furthermore, the trend of compassionate landlords also reflects a changing attitude towards rental housing. In the past, rental housing was often seen as a temporary solution for individuals and families who were unable to afford to buy their own homes. However, with rising property prices and changing attitudes towards homeownership, rental housing is becoming a more permanent and viable option for many people. As such, there is an increasing need for compassionate landlords who are willing to provide stable and affordable rental housing.

In conclusion, the rising trend of compassionate landlords in Singapore is a reflection of the importance of kindness and generosity in the face of economic challenges. As economic challenges continue to affect many individuals and families, there is a growing recognition of the importance of community support networks and the need for individuals to help each other. While acts of kindness and generosity by landlords are commendable, more must be done to ensure everyone has access to affordable housing and a decent standard of living. We can create a more just and equitable society for all by working together.