18th Dec Letter to Ministry of Trade and Industry

From: karen ho
Date: 2008/12/18
Subject: Re: Urgent Request to Review Extremely High Rental Renewal Rates for Existing Residents of Chip Bee Gardens
To: Chor Ling KUEK , lim_hng_kiang@mti.gov.sg
Cc: Swee Say LIM , linda_ng@pmo.gov.sg, dominic@sph.com.sg, twong@sph.com.sg,
Dear Ms. Chor and Minister Lim Hng Kiang -

Thank you for your prompt response to our heightened appeal.

Unfortunately we do feel that you have taken an incorrect perspective to the background you present below.

1. As a Residents' Group we are NOT arguing the context of prevailing market rates. ALL the examples you have indicated below refers to New, Incoming Tenants who bidded in a tender system and who understand their financial thresholds BEFORE entering into leases with the relevant landlords.
o For the INCOMING NEW TENANT at Halton Rd – they are paying $1.92 psf
o For the INCOMING NEW TENANT at Upavon Rd – they are paying $1.98 psf
2. The Residents Group is arguing the case of exorbitant, one-stage rental hikes for INCUMBENT/EXISTING TENANTS at the precise time of the bleakest economic downturn to face the world in 40 years!
o For an INCUMBENT/EXISTING Resident in Monk's Hill Terrace, Newton Circus) - LTA has only charged a 15% rental renewal increase for a 2000 sqft house in Dec'08 - taking the PSF for that household to $1.15 psf
o For an INCUMBENT/EXISTING Resident in Alexander Park - SLA will be charging a 14% rental renewal increase for a 2700 sqft house in Jan'09 - taking the PSF for that household to $1.48 psf
o For an INCUMBENT/EXISTING Resident in Chip Bee Gardens - JTC is charging a 76% rental renewal increase for a 1356sqft house in Dec'08 - taking the PSF for that household to $2.73 psf
To increase rentals by 76-80% as we enter into one of the worst recession the world has ever faced does not showcase any social and/or civic responsibilities that as a government agency, JTC should be demonstrating.
Particularly when JTC themselves announced a huge surplus profits this year (July 29, 2008: The Straits Times….total surplus of S $ 1.18 billion for the year ended March 31st, up to 50 % from the previous year).
To break up families and neighborhoods so that JTC can make more profit appears devoid of any social and civic obligations to the community.
During a time of extreme economic uncertainty and especially when the Singapore Government is represented daily in the press as encouraging companies big and small to look to cost-cutting measures where possible for the good of the community and its workers before resorting to retrenchment; and when other government agencies like the LTA, SLA and CAAS etc are demonstrating and balancing both social and fiduciary consciousness in their dealings with the public ….. WHERE is the social and civic consciousness in JTC's act of imposing extreme rental RENEWAL hikes of 76-80% to incumbent residents? Where the average tenancy tenure of those affected is 15-19 years. Where we are talking about homes and families and not just factories and office furniture.
We are confident that LTA and SLA are also managing their respective properties against market rates and maintaining their fiduciary duties. However, in addition, it would appear that LTA and SLA are also able to balance their social and civic duties when they deal with rental renewals for incumbent/existing residents.
Please re-evaluate your stance on this because the argument presented thus far totally ignores the point of our appeal which is for JTC to balance the social and civic aspect into their decision making for incumbent/existing tenants renewing leases.
In comparison of the Rental Renewal PSF's above, it would appear that there are significant inconsistencies with which the 3 separate government agencies execute their rental renewal policies in 2008. Based on our analysis of the previous rental renewal hikes in 2006; this inconsistency did not exist then.
On a last note, we would like to add that in the 30 year history that we can recall for Chip Bee Gardens; there has NEVER EVER been a One-Time Price Hike for Rental Renewals in excess of 20-25%. Why now in Oct/Nov/Dec 2008 to impose the severest one-time percentage price hike of 76-80%? Why now when we are facing the worst economic outlook the world has ever faced?
Sincerely,
The Residents of Chip Bee Gardens




2008/12/18 Chor Ling KUEK

Message Classification: Restricted

Dear Ms Karen Ho

1. I refer to your email dated 16 Dec 2008 to Minister for Trade and Industry, highlighting the concerns of some Chip Bee Gardens tenants over the high rental rates being charged for units in the estate.

2. We have looked into the matter and are satisfied that the rentals charged by JTC are fair and reasonable. Residental rental rates have increased significantly over the last two years. Based on URA's Rental Index, the average rental of terrace houses has risen by close to 60% over the last two years. Chip Bee Gardens, is a premium and well sought after location and the rental increase for the area would be even higher.

3. For example, houses at Changi (near Changi Camp) and Seletar were successfully tendered out by SLA one month back at about $2,560 to $4,620 per month (see Table 1 below). These houses are in an inferior location and of poorer condition compared to Chip Bee Gardens where rentals range between $3,400 to $3,850 per month for similar sized units. External valuers have also validated JTC's proposed rental for the units as being fair market rates.

Table 1: Recent Market Comparables
Error! Filename not specified.
4. You have indicated that residents were only given 7 days to accept the tenancy renewal and have appealed for an extension of the deadline for acceptance. JTC has clarified that the deadlines were only imposed after the affected tenancies had already expired. The tenants are thus actually over-staying. Under the terms of JTC's Tenancy Agreement, the onus is on the tenants to inform JTC at least 3 months before the expiry of their tenancies if they wish to renew their tenancies. Notwithstanding this, JTC would as a matter of practice remind tenants of the impending expiry of their tenancies some 2 to 3 months prior to expiry date and make an offer of renewal at prevailing rental rates. In contrast, the market practice for rental renewals amongst private sector landlords, is to give tenants only 1 to 2 months notice. Hence, JTC has given sufficient notice to affected tenants. Given that the rental contracts have already expired, a further extension of the deadline to accept the renewal offer would not be warranted. Tenants are advised to make their individual decisions and not prolong the matter further.

5. Chip Bee Gardens is managed commercially, with a long waiting list of potential tenants. It would not be justifiable for JTC to freeze or stagger the increase to market rates as this would be tantamount to subsidizing certain groups of tenants. As a government agency, JTC has the responsibility to ensure that they charge all tenants fair market rentals.

6. It was mentioned that there is a petition that residents would like to submit. You may send it or hand it directly to JTC at their office for their consideration and acknowledgement.

Yours sincerely

Kuek Chor Ling (Ms)
for Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Kuek Chor Ling ▪ Deputy Director (Corporate Communications) ▪ Ministry of Trade and Industry ▪ DID: +65 6332 7705 ▪ FAX: +65 6334 0306

Uniquely Singapore.....Chip Bee Gardens

Unlike most individuals and families that have posted comments/appeals on this site, I am not a resident of Chip Bee Gardens. I am, however, a frequent visitor as I have or perhaps I should say "had" many friends there.

I have read the comments/appeals posted on this site and agree that the current JTC management and those representing it do not understand the "value" Chip Bee Gardens residents have created over the years and, left to flourish, would continue to create for Singapore. I fully believe that the predecessor management of JTC understood the uniqueness of the neighborhood they helped create and encouraged/supported its development by keeping rents reasonably low and increases "predictable". Singapore uses the tag line "Uniquely Singapore" in many of its ads promoting Singapore. Clearly the current JTC management committed to raising rents at unprecedented rates and destroying this "uniquely Singapore" neighborhood by doing so. Moreover, this is occurring at a time when rents are and will continue on a downtrend throughout this small island.

Unfortunately, those "in charge" of interacting with the residents are acting on orders that were, correctly or incorrectly, issued many months ago in a completely different market situation. As with many organizations the "front line" staff seem to have no power/latitude to consider extenuating circumstances or exercise any judgement. It would be interesting to ask those in charge of implementing the increases if they or their supervisors could afford such increases in their own living quarters or, like many Chip Bee Garden residents be forced to move.

I'm confident those who invested thousands of dollars and hours upgrading their Chip Bee Gardens units, expected that future rent increases would be market justified and increased at a predictable rate. In this way, their "investment" could be both amortized and enjoyed over a number of years. Barring a hyper-inflation situation, there is no justification for one off increases of 70%, 80% or higher. Any "normal" landlord who tried to impose such increases would soon see his/her/its rental receipts plummet -- take a look at the number of empty rental units throughout Singapore for an example of those who tried and failed.

If not already considered, I believe residents should explore the option of seeking repayment (actual expenses and a value for time) of upgrades that were made under the assumption that the landlord would be reasonable and impose any rent adjustments on a gradual scale rather than in one fell swoop literally uprooting hundreds of people and destroying a unique neighborhood.

Roger Moore

Epitaph of a neighbourhood (extracted from an ex-Chipbee-ite's blog)

Epitaph for a Neighborhood – The Reinvention of Holland Village
Beijing isn't the only Asian city busily bulldozing its personality in the name of progress and development. After my recent week in Bali I spent three days in my former home of Singapore, where the long-threatened revamp of the Holland Village neighborhood has kicked into high gear. What a shame.
I spent my final three Singapore years in a Chip Bee Gardens terrace house. It was the best place I lived in Singapore, both because it was a quiet house with a yard and because it was five minutes walk from Holland Village. Here in my hermetically sealed high-rise flat in Beijing I sorely miss the squirrels, bulbuls and starlings (woop-woop birds my wife and I called them, and if you heard them you'd know why) that used to prowl the mango tree outside my second-floor study window.
Like pornography, good neighborhoods are hard to define, but you know one when you find it (apologies to Justice Potter Stewart). One thing that good neighborhoods seem to have in common is that they are not centrally planned, but come by their character organically over the years. That was Holland Village, a neighborhood that seemed to evolve over the years in spite of Singapore's planning, rather than because of it. In a town that increasingly pushes its personality to the fringes to build “new towns” that remind me of the domed arcology of Logan's Run, Holland Village was a pleasing mix of watering hole, bohemian enclave, teenage shopping district and large public-housing development. It's mixed character is nicely encapsulated in the slightly precious bar and restaurant street of Lorong Liput, which wraps around a completely local wet market and hawker center and ends at a ramshackle mosque built out of corrugated tin.
Holland Village was characters as well as places. The bent, old man who collects newspapers in his shopping trolley lined with dangling CDs (impromptu reflectors, we think) and lived off handouts from the hawker center. The old woman on the steps in front of the bank selling hand-made malt candy for a dollar, swirled out of a sterno-heated pot on two satay sticks. The cobbler plying his trade on the corner, wedged between the two competing, Indian magazine merchants. Bobby, the perpetually comatose dun-colored dog who lives at the hawker center. All were familiar, reliable and essential to the character of a neighborhood thriving in the shade of enormous angsana and rain trees.
The creeping revamp began about a year ago with the installation of an enormous, ghastly display advertisement with a Reuters crawl on the side of the Holland Village Shopping Center. (There had been earlier rumblings when the local cane merchant closed his store because he realized he could make much more money renting out his shop to a boutique than selling rattan boxes to tourists. But no one recognized that as a precursor to worse things.)
For the residents of Chip Bee Gardens, the next disruption was the re-opening of a long disused school campus as part of Singapore's private Anglo-Chinese School. The only motor access to the campus is through the tiny, narrow streets of Chip Bee Gardens, down which an increasing number of taxis and cars now speed. My ex-neighbors had to petition the LTA to place a speed bump in front of their house.
Now the excavation for the planned Holland Village subway station has begun. The magnificent trees have been cut down, the cobbler has left and auntie sells her candy in the broiling, tropical sun, bereft of shade. What little parking there was has been replaced with open pits and hydraulic excavators.
The hawker center and wet market have been closed to make way for a multi-storey parking lot. A Malaysian friend of mine who has lived in Singapore for years was lamenting the loss of the stalls where they knew her favorite dishes and were always ready to let her slide for a day if she forgot to bring cash. She also recalled how the old man with the shopping trolley was left stunned when the market was closed, with no one to provide him with the handouts he survives on. Even Bobby the dog, who is about the same age as the trolley man, was left in a panic, running between the empty market and the shops on the opposite side of the street, howling his discomfort.
Where will it all go? It's hard to argue with schools (even private ones) and public transportation without seeming like a nimby curmudgeon or a hopelessly pampered yuppie. In a year or two the hawker center will re-open in the base of the multi-storey car park. The subway station will be done, and I am sure it will be a tremendous convenience for the residents even though there are two existing stops within ten minutes walk. New seedlings will have been planted by Singapore's ever-conscientious National Parks Board.
But I can't help but feel that the government has decided that Holland Village needs managing. That it is an underexploited resource that should be developed in order to reach its full economic potential. In the age of the “integrated resort” (a euphemism designed to cause even a hardened PR man to grind his teeth) can we expect any less? Honestly, Holland Village's days were probably numbered about the same time that Mediacorp, Singapore’s state-owned television broadcaster, got around to making a soap opera called “Holland Village”.
Maybe it's just us overpaid yuppies who will lament the piecemeal dilution of Holland Village's character. Everyone else may be thrilled. But anyone who has strolled through the ghastly, disneyfied reconstruction of Singapore's Chinatown should have pause before getting too enthusiastic. My Malaysian friend referred to redeveloped Holland Village as “Ang Moh Kio New Town”. It was not meant as a complement.
Anyway, the world is a big place, and there is always a horizon to be crossed. A new and exotic place, steeped in culture, to help us recover some of what we feel has been lost. Like Siglap.

19th Dec 2008 Letter in response to Straits Times Article from Chipbee resident

Dear Ms Wong

First off, many thanks for highlighting the issues we are facing here in
Holland Village.

I would like to amplify your excellent article by highlighting a few
points that will further demonstrate the deep sense of frustration we
feel towards our landlord. We believe that JTC, as primarily a
commercial landlord, have little sense of managing residential
properties, particularly a unique environment like Chip Bee, where long
term residents have contribute significantly to its charm. They need to
appreciate that they have a coprorate responsibility to their residents
and this does not simply equate to maximizing rental increases from us.

1/ The article correctly identifies that the URA statistics show an
island-wide increase of 60% in rental. This proven statistic challenges
JTC to defend and justify its decision to request the 80-100% rental
increases from tenants. I have recently renewed my tenancy and offered a
65% increase. This was turned down and I renewed at a 90% increase.

2/ You may want to know that most of us have spent several thousands of
dollars improving what are very basic (and empty) houses. The look and
feel of the complex is a direct result of our investments in these
properties and in our community.

3/ With a clear downward trend in rental rates identified by URA from Q3
2008, perhaps you may want to ask why JTC is still insisting on these
penal rental increases.

You may feel free to use this letter as required.

With best wishes for the festive season
Vikram Aggarwal

Summary of selected comments / supporting remarks by Chipbee tenants when signing the petition:

Street: Jalan Hitam Manis

“Is the global economic crisis going to affect Singapore? Isn’t it a relief to see Singapore Government taking the lead in curbing increasing social and financial burden to average citizen?

Being a government link corporation whom has a good track record of corporate social consciousness and responsibility, will JTC be taking drastic actions to freeze all rental hike and reduce the high rentals to help us residents ride out this economic storm?

For almost 3 years, like all staying at Chip Bee Gardens, I have been a good tenant with prompt monthly payment of rental. Like many, I also endured a sudden spike of more than 50% increase in the rental when I renewed my contract early this year. Wouldn’t you agree that even though it’s difficult and seem unfair, we residents have ride out the good economy with JTC?

Now, with the doom and gloom economic hard ship and rise of unemployment rate, wouldn’t you agree that it’s just equally fair for JTC being a responsible corporate citizen, take actions to ease the increasing financial burden to all fellow tenants in Chip Bee Garden? Many now struggle with household, children and family expenses. Can you relate to that?

Appreciate your kind understanding and empathy to our hardship. We welcome your kindness”.
Lim Kian Wee
36 Jalan Hitam Manis
Singapore 278450
+65-9021-7773



“Given the current economic climate, slump in property prices and rental the recent increase in rent in % terms does not reflect market conditions. Tenants should be allowed to re-negotiate rental such that the increase from last contract to the rent is an accurate reflection of rental increases in the market environment.”
April Mckenna; 66 Jalan Hitam Manis


“I believe I’m the only remnant of the NUS faculty cohort that once represented at least a quarter of the population of Chipbee. My wife and I have lived here since July 1990; and would consider living no where else. I refused to move into university housing at considerable cost to remain in Chipbee because we did not want to live in an academic ghetto. As long-time residents, we not only receive no consideration but were treated with malice because we strongly objected to be arbitrary manner in which legitimate questions were treated. Only after much compliant did they extend our leased for ONE year + DOUBLE the rent. The implication being since you are troublemakers, we reluctantly give you another year! Then hit the road. The priority being from their apparatchik viewpoint-the need to renovate a unit by then own admission that requires NO renovation. If forced to move after the expiration of our lease in Aug 2009, my wife and I will move back to the U.S.A.”
Dr. Dan Crosswell; 80 Jalan Hitam Mamis


“I also find it unfair that JTC charges up to $ 500 for premium’ units when those of us who have lived here for 10+ years had no choice about the ‘upgrade’. Since said upgrade my living room gets very little light, my drive way is dangerous to walk on when wet and the wall around the house is so lowland poorly holding up that security or privacy is a joke.”
Gaye H. Kirby; 111 Jalan Hitam Manis


I wholeheartedly support the petition to bring down the rent and be reasonable with increases especially given the current market conditions.

I have been living in Singapore for over 10 years now and in spite of 2 overseas assignments in Korea and Thailand, I chose Singapore as my home and place I wanted to settle down in and got a Permanent residency in 2001 . I moved to Chip Bee in mid 2004 at a rental of 2000 per month. My rental was increased to 3600 per month in july this year - a huge jump that now amounts to a significant part of my earnings. Given the turbulent economy and the need to conserve and spend less - a key message from our senior minister and other dynamic leaders of singapore who I highly respect, I believe that the current rental is not justified. I am now re-thinking my long term plans of staying and contributing to Singapore as I do worry about my savings for my future and more importantly the short term view organizations like JTC are taking in quickly jumping on the 'perceived rental boom' which has now being adjusted downwards nationwide.
Another worrying point is that Chip Bee has all along been an art and bohemian center of this nation and one that nests some of the best artistic talents in the country - something that is rapidly disappearing. Unless JTC recognizes this disappointing trend and acts soon to fix it keeping in mind the long term interests of the Chip Bee and Singapore, I am afraid that the nation will be eroded of talent that it has slowly been building up over the years. My kind request to JTC and our honourable MP to kindly look at our petition in favourable light and revise to rental downwards to help us all meet our longer term objectives.

Harish Narayanan
50 Jalan Hitam Manis
Singapore 278464


“I have lived in Chipbee garden for 5 years now and I made an increment of almost $ 50,000 to upgrade and maintain the house. Many of us have done this and that’s why Chipbee looks great but now it’s so unaffordable and it’s driving the artistic community away and I fully support this petition and the reasoning behind it.”
Lynette Foo; 8 Jalan Hitam Manis


We received the notice for the renewal of the tenancy at 30 Jalan Hitam Manis. The new rent $ 3,800 is now a (72%) increase over the earlier rent of $2,200 per month. Ironically we received the rent increase notice the same week when the Singapore government announced the recession and means to make the effect less stringent.I urge you to consider maintaining the same rent i.e $2,200 per month - for another year until the economic situation gets better.I understand that when you called my wife Rehina a few weeks ago and she requested for a lower rent you suggested that she moves out of the current premises. We have lived in the same house for eight years now - and moved in at a time when there were several vacant units in Chip Bee. Kindly consider maintaining the current rent for a year. Our house is also due for renovation as we still have the old renovations and don't even have tiles on the second level. Since this is a year of recession I am willing to hold on to the renovation for another year too - till the economic situation gets better.
Sagar Pai & Rehina Pereira; 30 Jalan Hitam Manis


“My rent has been outrageously increased from July 2008 and finances for me very tight have to resort to making loans to stay affiant since I have no salary increase. My rent covers practically all my income. My friends, God bless them; have come to my aid concerning how I love my home in Hitam Manis, where I have been living since 1992. I have begged for reconsideration to no avail though I must say. The estate manager understood my plight and tried hard to state my case to the upper management unsuccessfully.”
Rose Borromeo; Dancer; 127 Jalan Hitam Manis

“I can’t agree more-the ‘bohemian’ element is eroding with neighbors moving over the past 6 months to be replaced with faceless characterless tenants who can afford the rent hikes. But this is Singapore…
My tenancy renewal also in doubt as our new agreements do not allow for any extension. There is no incentive to create a ‘home’ when there is such uncertainly.”
Robert Greg Shand; Architect; 90 Jalan Hitam Manis


“I would definitely like to highlight, that current economic situation should be given ample weightage. Also a 90% jump completely affects our financial planning and future. Kindly help in adjusting the rent downwards.”
Harish Narayanan ; 50 Jalan Hitam Manis

“Long stayers at Chip Bee are always at the mercy of whichever agency is awarded to run Chipbee. JTC or PREMAS, there is no continuity when the landlord changes form PREMAS to JTC and all the loyalty of long stayers are not treasured. I have stayed in Chipbee for 7 years and last year my rent went from 1,800 to 3,000, I only singed a 1 year lease, trying to play the game of hoping for a new and better rates during renewal. This game is getting old and it only penalizes the long stayers and leaves a sour table in our mouth. Every 4 years, I have landlord who does not appreciate that I have paid rent for the last 4 years and is only looking to earn a back from their tenant.
Since Chipbee belongs essentially to the Singapore government, there should be some guidelines to rental increase taking into account the following; (1) Length of stay in Chipbee ; (2) Max/ cap increase per year, i.e between 5 to 10 % for long stayers or 15% for newer residents. This should be written into contract with whoever is awarded the tender to run Chipbee. We are a residential community not commercial!
I have been through the last recession cycle where 60 % of Chipbee houses were empty and I was on of the few who continue to support and pay rent. However, during the good times, it seems like those on the waiting list gets more priority and there is pressure to replace us paying the lower rent with higher rent. I have no problem with this is a business or private owner. However, we are government land being managed by contractors! I have heard of cases where JTC refused to extend a rental to a long term resident in hope of getting then to move out and get a higher paying tenant.”
Lim Chin Chin; 16 Jalan Hitam Manis


“We agree to this petition, as we have been tenant since 2006 at a rental of S$ 2,000. By 2008 our rental increases to S$3,100. A whopping increase of $ 1,100!!! This is way too much! Please lower the rents!”
Jane Ong; Jalan Hitam Manis



Street: Jalan Puteh Jerneh

“My initial rent was S $ 1,800, and I have been a tenant here since 5 years. I fall into the artistic creative industry, as I run an events and entertainment company. If the rents go up, I presently at S $ 2,300, I will have no choice but to move out, with my children. They go to school which is close by and have friends in Chip bee which is their home neighbourhood”.
Kristina Gardin; 59 Jalan Puteh Jerneh ;M: 97921210


“I can’t afford agree with you more. In view of the fact that the stage of the recession is only in its infancy, more residents will be having difficulty in paying the increased rental”.
Ng Yeaw Sheng; 40 Jalan Puteh Jerneh

“The current prevailing value system of measuring Art + Culture is very myopic and short sighted. Cultures that have not respected, embraced and supported the above ‘alternative value systems’ have become increasingly one dimensional and homogenous. This necessary component of the social food chain is severely malnourished and underfed in Singapore, and I worry for long term consequences. This appeal is not just to reduce rents or freeze the rental increase, but it is an appeal for the protection of cultural ingredients that are necessary and contribute to a community’s holistic well being. To measure everything using the yardstick of money is downright boring, not to mention greedy and unjust. A rainbow is made up of many colours, and so is a healthy community. Believe it or not, ‘creativity’ can lead to all sorts of prosperity. Not everyone is a banker or a business man or a doctor. If you penalize the ‘rest of us’, it is only at the peril of the larger communal eco-system. Please remove your short sighted glasses and take the lead by helping everyone to see the bigger picture!

Ketna Patel, 33 + 35 Jalan Puteh Jerneh


“Do consider that there are also up and coming construction work along Hitam Manis, major housing project that will make a lot of noise and dust.”
Choi Tuck Heng; 11 Jalan Puteh Jerneh


“The recent increase was too drastic and was unfair to the existing tenants. Our rental was increased from S $ 1900- to $ 3,300, which is 73.7 % and is too much as compared to any previous increment. We may force to move-out if rental is not reduced”.
Lim Cheng Hock; 8 Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Note: Attached appeal


“A significant number of our friends and neighbors have left Chip Bee in the last few months due to the doubling of rents. The culture of this wonderful estate is rapidly dying-one of the main attractions. The reason we decided to return to Singapore’s creative hub after living overseas for 5 years. If Singapore is serious about creating and sustaining ‘little bohemias’ then the arts need to be supported at every level”.
Emma Kelly; 31 Jalan Puteh Jerneh



“Some of the people moving in Chipbee, seems to be waiting for their houses to be rebuilt and therefore do not contribute much to the community of Chipbee Gardens. Having such “transient” residents have this made this whole place cold and almost soulless since many of them are not bothered to integrate with the other residents. We’ve seen 3 0r 4 moves at the opposite side of our neighbourhood in the same length of time.
JTC has taken a very high-handed attitude in dealing with long-term tenants wanting to renew their tenancies. It’s more like a ‘’take it or leave it’ mentality and their excuse seems to be ‘since you enjoyed lower rents during the boom period, you now need to make up the difference over the next 2 years”. So much so that they are now trying to lock tenants at a higher rent for a longer period knowing that the next 1-2 years will be challenging. When JTC was renewing rentals in 2007 and early 2008, they were only willing to commit to a 1-year term in anticipation of the ‘rising’ rental market.
…that JTC is out to make as much money from their tenants as possible to the extent that they don’t really care whether the older (more loyal) tenants who’ve stayed in Chipbee have to move out after having spent a large part of their lives within this community. We’ve lost many friends in the neighbourhood solely due to JTC not wanting to make any concessions. We can understand that they need to make moderate gains but charging exorbitant rates are not the way to proceed, Singapore is undergoing a recession…”
Lynn Yeo; 12 Jalan Puteh Jerneh


“…our first confirmation of the rental figure was given 3 days AFTER the new price came into effect. Our lease ended 30/09/08.
…is also strange for another reason, whether or not renewal commissions actually exist or not, the standard Real Estate Agents practice is the tenant only pays a commission for monthly rental values below $ 2.5k.
Strongly endorse the petition on the grounds of being such an astronomical single increase during such as history market downturn, with little or no prior notice”.
Abdul Aziz; 7 Jalan Puteh Jerneh


“As an American citizen but a Singapore PR, I had committed myself to serving the educational community by teaching in the School of law of the SMU. It would appear that by making the rent unaffordable to me, the JTC would, drive away from Singapore foreigners who have devoted several years to making contributions to Singapore in various ways.
…saddens me about the policy of jacking up rents by massive amounts and giving leases for just two years at the time is that JTC is embarking on a short sighted market strategy that will have adverse long term consequences. Soon, if it has not already happened, the Chip bee complex will degenerate into a transient’s community. It is a common sight to see occupants who moved in a short while ago packing their possessions and moving out. Of the persons whom I asked why they are moving, it is because of an unconscionable rent increase.
No one will dispute the right if the JTC to charge any rent that it thinks fit either no thoughts of a consequences. While arbitrary and capricious can be made by the whim of the private landlord, it is questionable whether the sacrifice of the long-term goals is an appreciate strategy for a statutory body serving as landlord that is subject to fiduciary duties. By raising rents to unaffordable levels, the JTC may think that it is maximizing revenue but in the long run taxpayer dollars may suffer a net loss.”
Austin I. Pullě; 25 Jalan Puteh Jerneh


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Street: Jalan Kuning

“My family and I have been living in Chipbee for more than 14 years and have contributed to the developments of this estate. The community is very closely knitted and friendly. Sadly, due to the extortionate increase in rent, one by one, our neighbors (some have lived more 30 years) have left. This is our home and we have many fond memories of this estate. We are very keen to stay on but with the steep increase in rent and facing with the current economic recession, we are facing the same ‘faith’ as those of our neighbor who have left, not knowing what to do. Please help us and the residents of this estate to resolve this issue. I’m looking forward to hear the good news.”
Tang Pen San; 5 Jalan Kuning


“Please take into consideration when adjusting rent, the amount of money spent on each unit during maintenance. My household spent a fair sum doing upgrading and maintenance work and seldom request for any help from JTC. G\Having stayed for more than 7 years and not giving any trouble for landlord is an incentive which JTC have to consider.”
Chong Leng Hong; 19 Jalan Kuning


“Since 1974, we have been living the rental was $ 425. The same house, same condition but was run down over the years, but yet we paid the new increase which many of us are facing today. Just 3 months ago, we moved to the above because they wanted to renovate and increase more!!!
Meanwhile, we are looking to buy a HBD. Staying here until such time...we are really forced out…wishful that we could live our last days here after so many years, in fact the roof are deep- into this place. My husband is already 70 yrs. old, and I’m only a few years behind.”
Chan Chu Hin ; 28 Jalan Kuning


“ …90% increase is an exorbitant amount when we first moved it we took a lot of efforts with a alot of phone calls to push PWD to fix drains in this area and this finally done 3rd quarter last year. We too pushed LTA to fix the roads and entrance to house as there a lot of pot holes with bad drainage potential mosquito breeding and this too was done around June 2008. Alex, Chipbee agent is aware as I’ve highlighted to him I’ve contracted PWD + LTA-something Chipbee management couldn’t do to push LTA + PWD to tidy the whole area. Consideration must be given that we take initiative to beautify the messy garden with unsightly plants to contribute to more ‘livable’ place.
…with the steep increase, this looks not possible to stay on. We put a lot a effort and it would be grateful if JTC take this into consideration before they increase the rent.”
Tan Sian Hua; 4 Jalan Kuning

“I fully agree the rent of increment is too steep for this difficult time. Pay cut and job cut is definitely around the corner for private sector which don’t provide on iron rice bowl. The rent and property price in Singapore are due to speculation force. Why is the high net worth stop buying property suddenly? I though developer or government official say these high net worth are recession proof and will buy in good or bad times. It is definitely speculation and it only benefits the biggest landlord in Singapore.”
Tan Siang Teck ; 6 Jalan Kuning
]

“We need to brace ourselves in obtaining a reasonable treatment in rental charges by our landlord in views of coming recession.”
Ng Khong Bee; 28 Jalan Puteh Jerneh


Street: Taman Warna

“Assuming that many people budget no more than 30% of income for housing costs an increase to 60 % of income, as is the case with JTC rental hikes, will for many mean having to leave their home”.
Sean Francis Lee; 28 Taman Warna

“I have been living at Chipbee Garden for 14 years. I have gone to see Esther several times regarding the rental but she wasn’t budged.”
Tan Swee Leong; 35 Taman Warna


“Directly opposite to the construction site, Holland residence with daily construction activities and movements become noisy all day long. Need to compensate tenants once the street with further rental reduction until construction is completed.”
Wong Teck Fong: 22 Taman Warna

`

“I pleaded to keep the rent the same for 1 more year and got no response. I’m a single mother struggling to make ends meet.”
Taissa Matla; 18 Taman Warna


“I have lived in Chipbee for nearly 17 years. Now I’ am suddenly expected to pay the same rent as new tenants moving into a renovated unit. I cannot afford to stay here. I appreciate being given a 6 months extension to my lease (a bit at very short notice) but do nor appreciate being requested to pay at the new rate, an increase of over 75%. The new rate is higher than some because-I ‘am told- I’ am nearer Holland Village but, ironically, this is the noisiest stretch of road in Chipbee. I wonder who makes these decisions?”
Jill Shanmugaratman; 72 Taman Warna


“We are aware of the dramatic increase in rent in the road and given that all other areas in Singapore have no decrease rent and in view of the economic climate we think this shall be addressed and the rent lowered. We also note that’s some of our neighbors is paying up to $ 200 less than a month and we would like this to be acknowledged and the rent decrease accordingly.”
Dominic Godman; 54 Taman Warna





Street: Jalan Kelabu Asap

“Management to review recent rental increment imposed on tenants in view of financial crisis. Measures to reduce rental to reasonable level to existing and new tenants and amendment of rental agreement.”
Yong Fook Onn ; 40 Jalan Kelabu Asap


“We do agree. We are seriously considering of leaving Singapore as for these prompt increase are very difficult to cope with for a short notice.”
Vam Eyrett; Jalan Kelabu Asap


“I believe this is an honest effort and hope JTC or government does not misunderstood the cause. My view is that one should not fix rent (price) purely on supply and demand criteria, as then it cause high fluctuation and sometimes collapse; as happened in USA.”
Aroof Kuman Baneyee; Jalan Kelabu Asap


“At this time of economic uncertainly priority should be given to keep families secure in their homes, especially to long-term resident who are facing steep rent increase. Rent increase of 60-90% is simply inappropriate when people are struggling to make ends meet. We should encourage a more caring and compassionate society. As a government link company JTC has a responsibility to play its part.”
Mark Palmer; 53 Jalan Kelabu Asap


“I found an increase of 80% in rent is unacceptable and feels rip off by the JTC making taking advantage of the housing prince boom.”
Sandro Mazza; 36 Jalan Kelabu Asap












List of Chipbee Gardens Tenants who support the Petition to JTC for lower rentals


Jalan Hitam Manis



House / Unit No.
Address
Name of Tenant
2
Jalan Hitam Manis
Rehina Perrera
6
Jalan Hitam Manis
Ryan Bishop
8
Jalan Hitam Manis
Lynette Foo
14
Jalan Hitam Manis
Olivia Claire Lynn Warnock
16
Jalan Hitam Manis
Lim Chin Chin
18
Jalan Hitam Manis
Michael Pohl
17
Jalan Hitam Manis
Philippa Killen
20
Jalan Hitam Manis
M. Hohmann
21
Jalan Hitam Manis
Cehng Shiew Jeng
23
Jalan Hitam Manis
Sharon Wong
27
Jalan Hitam Manis
June Goh
34
Jalan Hitam Manis
Jeannette Lau
36
Jalan Hitam Manis
Lim Kian Me
42
Jalan Hitam Manis
John
44
Jalan Hitam Manis
Mrs. Jane Ng/ Koon Meng Ng
50
Jalan Hitam Manis
Harish Narayanan
52
Jalan Hitam Manis
Lee Lon Teng
Lee Lon Teng
Lee Lon Teng
Lee Lon Teng
54
Jalan Hitam Manis
56
Jalan Hitam Manis
58
Jalan Hitam Manis
62
Jalan Hitam Manis
Laina and Armando Beer
64
Jalan Hitam Manis
Andrew Lim
66
Jalan Hitam Manis
April McKenna
71
Jalan Hitam Manis
Dramusic Vesna
72
Jalan Hitam Manis
Stephen Caffyn
73
Jalan Hitam Manis
Sohali
75
Jalan Hitam Manis
Smett
76
Jalan Hitam Manis
Khoo Lang Kian
79
Jalan Hitam Manis
Leo
80
Jalan Hitam Manis
Dr. Dan Crosswell
83
Jalan Hitam Manis
Jolene
87
Jalan Hitam Manis
Kevin Timmons
90
Jalan Hitam Manis
Robert Gerg Shand
91
Jalan Hitam Manis
W.C.J. Leyen
93
Jalan Hitam Manis
Ryan Clift
97
Jalan Hitam Manis
Paul Ng Ngow Chye
98
Jalan Hitam Manis
Chen Mun Seng
101
Jalan Hitam Manis
Jeffrey Oon
105
Jalan Hitam Manis
Yong Foo Onn
107
Jalan Hitam Manis
Priscilla Ng
109
Jalan Hitam Manis
Josephine Frankin
111
Jalan Hitam Manis
Gaye H. Kirby
119
Jalan Hitam Manis
Yap Sha-Li Audrey
121
Jalan Hitam Manis
Tan Kia Joo/JaCob Son
127
Jalan Hitam Manis
Rose Borromeo





Jalan Puteh Jerneh




House / Unit No.
Address
Name of Tenant
1
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Normini Abdul Aziz
2
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Simon Kornberg
3
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Ong Poh Choo
5
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Bronia Birkbeck
8
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Lim Chong Hock
11
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Choi Tuck Heng
12
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Lynn Yeo
14
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Nats
15
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Lim Eu Seng Vincent
16
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Takeo Matsuokja
18
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Peter Ochman
19
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Gina Tauzon
20
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
J. Remington
24
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Diana Francis
25
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Austin I. Pulle
27
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Tan Winnie
28
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Ng Choong Bee
31
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Emma Kelly
33
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Ketna Patel
35
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Ketna Patel
36
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Jonan Boreghin
37
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Thauh Hu Larsson
39
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Jose R.Ortega
40
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Ng Yeow Shang
43
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Teng Sai Gek
45
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Leslie Tan Wee Ming
47
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Ng Siew Wong
50
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Scott Hessels
52
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Suja Michelle Sasidhatan
55
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Dave Low
57
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Mishmaki Shoichi
59
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Kristina Garden
61
Jalan Puteh Jerneh
Lim Enpkhoon


Jalan Kuning
`



House / Unit No.
Address
Name of Tenant
1
Jalan Kuning
Rejected
3
Jalan Kuning
Annonymous
4
Jalan Kuning
Tan Siang Hua
5
Jalan Kuning
Tang Peng San /Sally Tan
6
Jalan Kuning
Tan Siang Tech
8
Jalan Kuning
Ms. Meghan Sander
10
Jalan Kuning
Ng Kian Peng
11
Jalan Kuning
Leong Kah Wah
12
Jalan Kuning
Catherine Lai
15C
Jalan Kuning
Leong Kah Wah
16
Jalan Kuning
Wong Ah Chye
18C
Jalan Kuning
Anastasia Toumasatos
19
Jalan Kuning
Ringo Chong
20
Jalan Kuning
Hwang Fong Boon
22
Jalan Kuning
Helena Lim
23
Jalan Kuning
Naoko
24
Jalan Kuning
Pandora
26
Jalan Kuning
Annonymous
28
Jalan Kuning
Chan Chua Hin
30C
Jalan Kuning
Mr. /Mrs. Parry
31C
Jalan Kuning
Mr. Ng
33
Jalan Kuning
Lim Khonh Shee
35
Jalan Kuning
Raoul Fenianos
39
Jalan Kuning
Liu Woon Li
41
Jalan Kuning
Nijen Twilhaar
45
Jalan Kuning
Philip Kurien Jacob
47
Jalan Kuning
Philip Kurien Jacob



Jalan Kelabu Asap
`



House / Unit No.
Address
Name of Tenant
2
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Woodware
5
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Raymond Lim
6
Jalan Kelabu Asap
J.W. Holden
7
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Victoria Bowers
8
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Christople Neverburg
14
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Oliver Pearson
15
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Troy Sullivan
16
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Tang Wai Meng and Mike
20
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Hans Erick Schwidt
22
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Jimmy Ong
24
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Cathy and David West
25
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Rsukuia
26
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Lanyi G.
28
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Mustafizur Rahman
29
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Choonh henh Kok
31
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Lay Bih Lim
32
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Birch
33
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Alflo Goufa
34
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Queenie Ong
36
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Sando Mazza
37
Jalan Kelabu Asap
M. Maharroy
38
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Ruchard Koong, kockette
39
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Marco Merito
40
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Yong Fook Onn
41
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Tim Ross and Marisa Bertocchi
43
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Loretta Bertocchi
48
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Van Eyrett
51
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Amelia Wallace
52
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Natasha Hamilton
53
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Mark Palmer
54
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Marco Frisckneght
55
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Wong Ka Ching
58
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Luke Clark
59
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Victoria Willis
60
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Ching Toh Kar
61
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Yukio Rai
65
Jalan Kelabu Asap
D. Wilcox
66
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Birch
67
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Marc X. Grogorott
72
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Ong Chin Ngoh
81
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Elizabeth Anne Logie
87
Jalan Kelabu Asap
Tania Wu




Jalan Merah Saga
`



House / Unit No.
Address
Name of Tenant



Blk.44 # 03-12
Jalan Merah Saga
Ben Fones
Blk.43 # 02-70
Jalan Merah Saga
Philip Ng
Blk. 43 # 02-68
Jalan Merah Saga
Dominic Teo








Jalan Rumia
`



House / Unit No.
Address
Name of Tenant
3
Jalan Rumia
Wong Yin Wan
5
Jalan Rumia
Wong Yin Wan
6
Jalan Rumia
Suzzanne Sng
9
Jalan Rumia
Bjorn Skurch
17
Jalan Rumia
Joselito Dela Cruz
21
Jalan Rumia
Brian Wee
23
Jalan Rumia
Kwong Leong Onn
25
Jalan Rumia
Edmund Lim / Anthony huang
27
Jalan Rumia
Foo Say Hoe
29
Jalan Rumia
Mina Koshinen
31
Jalan Rumia
Ng Koon Yee Mickey
33
Jalan Rumia
F. Berger
35
Jalan Rumia
Lim Puay Keem
37
Jalan Rumia
B. Ross
39
Jalan Rumia
Loh Chon See
41
Jalan Rumia
Klomp Jan Jaap
43
Jalan Rumia
Aggarwal
47
Jalan Rumia
Suherwan Abu
57
Jalan Rumia
Ho Juan Nui
59
Jalan Rumia
Arnold S. Widjanarko


Taman Warna
`



House / Unit No.
Address
Name of Tenant
4
Taman Warna
Jerry De Souza
12
Taman Warna
Misliaty
18
Taman Warna
Taisa Matla
20
Taman Warna
Patrick Evans
22
Taman Warna
Wong Teck Fong
28
Taman Warna
Sean Francis lee
30
Taman Warna
Joseph Carter
33
Taman Warna
Ginny Nhang
34
Taman Warna
Paulla Lee Tee Mui
35
Taman Warna
Tau Swee Leong
36
Taman Warna
Paulla Lee Tee Mui

42
Taman Warna
Maribel Deken
44
Taman Warna
Mylene
54
Taman Warna
Dominic Godman
58
Taman Warna
Ng Kean Seen
68
Taman Warna
Lianne Tjio and Family
72
Taman Warna
Jill Shanmugaratnam
78
Taman Warna
Khoo Lang Kian
80
Taman Warna
Kelly Tan
86
Taman Warna
Hujaidi Mat Rajali
88
Taman Warna
Cathy Li

17 Dec 2008 Urgent Request for Deadline Extension: Re: Review of Rental Renewal Rates for Existing Residents of Chip Bee Gardens

Dear Mr. Lim Swee Say -

We greatly appreciate your continued assistance on the overall appeal.

However, one area of immediate concern to the residents which we seek your urgent help in is with regard to the legal deadlines (18-20Dec) currently being imposed on those residents who's tenancy agreements have expired Oct, Nov and Dec'08.

We seek your urgent help to persuade Minister Lim Hng Kiang to permit the deadline extension till end Jan 2009 as requested in our email to him. Thus allowing the residents more time to engage with MTI and JTC on the subject appeal and petition.

If MTI does permit the extension, we would greatly appreciate if your office/MTI or JTC could advise us via email within next 24 hours. Otherwise, some of us may be forced to sign the new tenancy agreements at 76-80% increases or risk losing our homes. As an individual residents, we really do feel cornered in this matter and your urgent help in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Residents of Chip Bee Gardens
2008/12/16 Swee Say LIM <SSLim@pmo.gov.sg>
Got your email. Thanks.