Singapore Expats

Hi all! I have a complicated problem with my landlord, and would like to hear your advice on this...

The tenancy should have been renewed May this year. The landlord has verbally agreed to that, but he did not sign the contract even after many times I asked him.

Two weeks ago, he suddenly announced that he will sell his flat and wants me to move out end of this month.

The problem is, since he did not renew the contract, there are many issues arguable:

1. Although he did not renew the contract, he still receives my payment from May to August. Has he done anything illegal here?

2. After all these years living with him, I know he is not a trustworthy person. I believe he will not give me back my deposit although the house is in good condition. So, would it be ok if I refuse to pay him this month's rental and let it be deducted from my deposit instead?

3. In the 2nd case above, if I do not pay the rental, and if the landlord decides to issue a legal letter from lawyer to me, how will the letter look like? I mean, will it just "force" me out of the house, or will I need to pay up everything? Basically, I don't mind if I am only "forced" out from the house, since I have already found a new place to stay.

Thank you very much!!

are you staying in a condo that has gone en bloc? This may be a factor if it is.

Hi Stuttgarter, Gmuender here since your tenancy agreement ended months ago you are not really bound to any agreement and you could deduct the security deposit from the rent. However, your landlord may just decide to change the locks one day when you are out on the grounds that you are not paying your rent. With no agreement in place either can really do as they like. Not a very good position. However, it may also be possible to argue that your continuing stay in that apartment is under the original terms of the agreement. I would ask the landlord to come and inspect the apartment, make a list of things that need to be fixed before vacating and both sign, ideally in the presence of your agent.

Hope this helps......

Stuttgarter wrote:1. Although he did not renew the contract, he still receives my payment from May to August. Has he done anything illegal here?

No -- spoken agreements are still binding (in general, not sure if Sing law has an exception for rents). He could say "I agree to extend your rent until August only" and then it's your word against his.

2. After all these years living with him, I know he is not a trustworthy person. I believe he will not give me back my deposit although the house is in good condition. So, would it be ok if I refuse to pay him this month's rental and let it be deducted from my deposit instead?

Legally, no, but in practice, yes, it's OK, esp. since there's no written contract (see above). Even with a written contract, it's unlikely to be worth the landlord's time to sue you, esp. as you could then sue him right back for the deposit.

3. In the 2nd case above, if I do not pay the rental, and if the landlord decides to issue a legal letter from lawyer to me, how will the letter look like? I mean, will it just "force" me out of the house, or will I need to pay up everything? Basically, I don't mind if I am only "forced" out from the house, since I have already found a new place to stay.

I'd definitely just get up and go. Even if he was going to sue you, it would be through small claims court, where there are no lawyers, just the plaintiff (him), the defendant (you) and the judge.

condomania wrote:If you need to find a new place soon.....i may give u some advise on some property in singapore. market is good now that y i think the owner sell it.

Mm, advice from slimy random strangers who have problems with basic reading comprehension. To quote the original poster:

...since I have already found a new place to stay...

Hi! Thanks for all the replies!

I have finally moved out and I don't have to see the (greedy) landlord anymore!