Singapore Expats

I am in the situation that I have to leave (end of May) Singapore before my 1 year lease ends (end of July). I don't have a diplomatic clause (as lease was for 1 year), so I guess there is no official way to get out of the contract.

Now the thing is that my landlord (who I signed the contract with) sold the apartment I am living in. I think the transaction should get closed sometime in May.

For me as a tenant, can I take this as a reason to deny the contract change (meaning to accept the new landlord) and to get out of the tenancy agreement?

If not, any other tip how to get out of the agreement earlier? I don't want to "cut and run".

Cheers,
Hans

I'd suggest that you try to contact the new owner and see if they will release you. They are buying the place with tenancy because that's the only way it could be sold.
It's possible that they want vacant possession which could end up as win-win for everyone!


If not the case, then afraid you'll have to pay up until end of contract. And also I believe that it's illegal to withhold rent in lieu of deposit...not 100% but sure I read that somewhere

queenie71 wrote: They are buying the place with tenancy because that's the only way it could be sold.

But do I have to accept the new landlord? I am sure there must be an agreement from my side?

Nope, you have no say in the matter.

You have a right to occupy the property as per the terms of your lease. Your tenancy will be conveyed to the new owner. Issues of ownership are nothing to do with you.

I have seen people posting here who are being bullied out of their apartments early because the owner has sold them. In a way you seem to be seeking to do the reverse of this. Neither scenario has legitimate mileage in it.

hanswurscht wrote:

queenie71 wrote: They are buying the place with tenancy because that's the only way it could be sold.

But do I have to accept the new landlord? I am sure there must be an agreement from my side?

Why? Personally I think it is a bit more complicated than what comes from majority of the opinions on this board but the final effect is the same: it is beyond your control as long as you are allowed to occupy the premisses so the landlord's obligations are fulfilled.

The only thing you can do is to negotiate. Maybe they will let you go for one month of the rental equivalent especially that this I guess equals to your deposit. They would probably realize this is the most they may get anyway if you decide to leave without saying good bye and on top of this they will have one extra month of the rental income if they are lucky enough to quickly find a new tenant.

queenie71 wrote:I'd suggest that you try to contact the new owner and see if they will release you. They are buying the place with tenancy because that's the only way it could be sold.
It's possible that they want vacant possession which could end up as win-win for everyone!

Good point.

Maybe call them up and ask if they are considering extending the lease or whether they're just waiting for you to move out.

We the typical greedy mindset of the local LLs I would have not too much hope.

JR8 wrote:You have a right to occupy the property as per the terms of your lease. Your tenancy will be conveyed to the new owner. Issues of ownership are nothing to do with you.

I have seen people posting here who are being bullied out of their apartments early because the owner has sold them. In a way you seem to be seeking to do the reverse of this. Neither scenario has legitimate mileage in it.

Hi, my landlord is planning to sell the apartment I am living in, maybe in the next 1-2 months. I have a 2 yr rental contract valid till sept 2012. Can my landlord terminate my contract early if the potential buyer requires vacant posession of this flat? Do i have any rights in this case, am i entitled to stay on till the end of the contract, if not, then am i entitled to any compensation?
please advise

jamesalan wrote:
Hi, my landlord is planning to sell the apartment I am living in, maybe in the next 1-2 months. I have a 2 yr rental contract valid till sept 2012. Can my landlord terminate my contract early if the potential buyer requires vacant posession of this flat? Do i have any rights in this case, am i entitled to stay on till the end of the contract, if not, then am i entitled to any compensation?
please advise

Have you read your tenancy agreement? It all comes down to what is laid out there.

Why not quote here any clauses re: termination, sale of flat, re-letting, viewings etc., then better informed comment will be possible.