Paya Lebar Flat Fire: Tenants Face Potential Liability for Damages despite Lease Expiry Six tenants in a Paya Lebar flat are facing the prospect of having to pay for damages caused by a fire that gutted their unit, despite their leases expiring in less than two weeks. According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the fire started in the living room of the fifth-floor flat on Monday night. The blaze spread rapidly, causing extensive damage to the unit and its contents. The tenants, who have been living in the flat for the past two years, were not at home when the fire broke out. They received a call from a neighbor informing them of the incident and rushed back to find their home in ruins. The fire is believed to have been caused by unattended cooking, and the Singapore Police Force is investigating the matter. However, the tenants could still be held liable for the damages, even though their leases are nearing their end. Under Singapore law, tenants are generally responsible for any damage caused to the property during their tenancy. This includes damage caused by fire, even if it was accidental. The landlord of the flat has already filed a claim with the insurance company, but the tenants may be required to pay for any excess or deductible that the insurance does not cover. The tenants, who are all in their early 20s and work in the service industry, are devastated by the incident. They have lost all their belongings and are now facing a potential financial burden. “We don’t know what to do,” said one of the tenants, who wished to remain anonymous. “We have nothing left. We don’t even have a place to stay now.” The tenants are currently staying in a temporary shelter provided by the Singapore Red Cross. They are hoping that the landlord and insurance company will be understanding of their situation and waive the damages. “We are just young people trying to make a living,” said another tenant. “We didn’t start the fire, and we shouldn’t have to pay for the damage.” The case highlights the importance of tenants understanding their legal obligations when renting a property. It is essential to have adequate insurance coverage to protect against potential liabilities, such as fire damage.Tenants Face Damage Costs After Rental Unit FireTenants Face Damage Costs After Rental Unit Fire With only a month remaining on their lease, a group of tenants face financial burden after a fire engulfed their apartment. The blaze erupted at Block 121 Paya Lebar Way on June 20th around 8:55 p.m. When Shin Min Daily News reporters visited the third-floor unit the following day, a tenant named Lin was seen hurriedly leaving with a suitcase. Lin, 33, revealed that he and five roommates occupied the apartment. None were present at the time of the incident. He had just left work when he received the news from his roommate. According to Lin, the investigation indicated that the fire originated from computer wiring in the living room. The resulting blaze blackened the walls. He disclosed that their lease would expire at the end of the month, and the landlord would file an insurance claim to cover partial damage costs. However, the tenants would be held responsible for the remaining renovation and repair expenses. In the meantime, the tenants are seeking alternative accommodation. Lin has opted for a hotel stay as the unit’s electricity is inaccessible. A resident of the fifth floor witnessed the incident and initially mistook the smoke for burning papers. However, the sight of orange flames and thick smoke outside her window alarmed her. She quickly evacuated the building. The Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) reported that the fire involved furniture in the living room and was extinguished by public volunteers using buckets of water. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. MP Tin Pei Ling expressed her gratitude to a resident who courageously assisted in dousing the flames after returning home from work. She remarked that his bravery deserved recognition from SCDF.Six tenants in a Paya Lebar flat were left scrambling to find new accommodation after a fire broke out in their unit, with less than two weeks left on their lease. The fire, which occurred on Tuesday night, caused extensive damage to the property, rendering it uninhabitable. The tenants, who are all foreign workers, were reportedly asleep when the fire broke out. They managed to escape the building safely, but all their belongings were destroyed in the blaze. According to the Housing & Development Board (HDB), the fire was caused by an electrical fault. The flat was severely damaged, with the living room and two bedrooms gutted. The kitchen and bathroom were also badly damaged. The HDB has arranged for temporary accommodation for the tenants while they search for a new home. However, the tenants may be liable for the cost of repairing the damage to the flat, as their lease is set to expire in less than two weeks. The tenants are currently seeking legal advice on their options. They are hoping to avoid having to pay for the damages, as they believe that the fire was not their fault.