"I cannot even imagine this in a dream," a resident told us during a recent home visit. These words highlighted how many may not realize the support available to them.

We recently met a 57-year-old widow sharing a two-room rental flat with her four adult children and two young grandchildren. Since losing her husband, she's been struggling to manage the household while caring for the little ones. In such a cramped space housing seven people, maintaining optimal living conditions becomes especially challenging.

Their home was facing multiple maintenance issues - a flooded kitchen, malfunctioning toilet facilities, and a non-working rubbish chute. These conditions posed serious safety risks, particularly concerning given the presence of young children. What struck us most was that these issues could have been resolved through HDB's maintenance services, at no cost to the family.

Many residents endure difficult living conditions without knowing they can get help. These services aren't charity - they're part of residents' rights as tenants.

If you're living in a rental flat, remember:

• Contact HDB immediately for any maintenance issues
• Don't hesitate to report problems - it's your right
• Keep track of your requests
• Follow up if issues aren't resolved

There's no shame in seeking help for housing maintenance. These services exist to ensure safe, dignified living conditions for all residents.