High cost of living under the spotlight in Shanghai after 39 tenants found in a three-bedroom flat

The revelation highlighted the financial strain faced by many low-income workers in China’s largest city

Cases of extreme subleasing are common in major Chinese cities as owners and agents try to make the most on rent

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A revelation that 39 people were crammed into one apartment exposed the financial strain for many people in Shanghai. Photo: Handout

Published: 12:00pm, 19 Jun 2021Updated: 12:04pm, 19 Jun 2021

In a case that highlighted the financial strain for many people in China’s megacities, a Friday news report revealed that 39 tenants were renting a 90-square metre (969 square feet) flat in Shanghai.

According to Kankanews, a local media outlet in the city, the three-bedroom flat was located in the high-end Pudong New Area district. It was renovated and furnished with 16 bunk beds in the main living space and a single bed in the kitchen.

The owner of the property rented the space to a person surnamed Sun for 13,000 yuan (US$2,000) per month. That tenant then split the property into significantly smaller units and sublet people at 700 yuan (US$109) per bed.

Police raided a three-bedroom apartment and the residents had to find different accommodation. Photo: Handout

Police raided the property earlier this week after receiving complaints from their neighbours, the report said.

The tenants were forced to leave their accommodation after the raid. They mostly worked at nearby restaurants and returned home in batches late at night, triggering complaints.

“Many of them are smoking at night and making phone calls in the corridor,” said a property manager of the community.

A police officer said the cramped flat-sharing by so many people also presented a safety hazard because of overloading outlets, overusing the general electricity and depleting the water supply.

The case reignited debate about housing safety in China and the plight of low-income people as property prices continue to soar in the mainland’s largest city.