Singapore Expats

Hi,

I have a hypothetical question regarding housing leases. Our two year lease is coming up and the landlords want to move in so will not be renewing. We do not know how much longer we will be here. My husband is constantly paranoid about losing his job (finance industry) or we may just leave if a better situation comes up outside Singapore. I know the diplomatic clause kicks in at 12+2 but what if our situation drastically changes say, 8 months into a new contract. Surely the loss of the EP and the right to live in this country overrides the TA, whatever it says about diplomatic clause? Or should I just push for a one year contract next time?

Thanks.

Since your current "two year lease is coming up and the landlords want to move in", I assume you are referring to what you will do with your next landlord.

It is rare to find a one year lease, first time out of the box... most every landlord around here wants two years... and the reasoning is simple... it costs money to prep a place for a new tenant.

I'd look at trying to take over from an existing tenant that wants to move... they want out, you want in... you ensure that landlord suffers no break in rents... you'll probably get your year.

On the other side, be prepared to do the same thing... find tenants to take over so that your landlord remains happy.

No, loss of EP does not override TA... you signed a contract. Find an honorable, ethical way of dealing with the situation.

I have helped a few people 'flee' the country and this TA termination is always a problem. Usually the best we can do is limit the losses to the security deposit and the advance rent that has been paid - sometimes to mollify the LL we've paid extra as well. At the end of the day the LL is not going to pursue you overseas but when both parties face a losing situation negotiating is the only way to cut your losses as the tenant. In Jakarta you have to pay your rent a YEAR in advance.

offshoreoildude wrote:In Jakarta you have to pay your rent a YEAR in advance.

And why except that tenants stiff the landlord? I appreciate the issues... contract runs out... need to leave. But, and depending upon the tenant, this leaves the landlord with 2 or 3 months of vacancy, sometimes big cash layout for painting and repairs.

Tenants only look at how much it costs them... never from the point of view of the landlord.

While we are at it... Maxis in KL requires a 1000 Ringgit deposit from expats. Why? Because they disappear.

Strong Eagle wrote:

offshoreoildude wrote:In Jakarta you have to pay your rent a YEAR in advance.

And why except that tenants stiff the landlord? I appreciate the issues... contract runs out... need to leave. But, and depending upon the tenant, this leaves the landlord with 2 or 3 months of vacancy, sometimes big cash layout for painting and repairs.

Tenants only look at how much it costs them... never from the point of view of the landlord.

While we are at it... Maxis in KL requires a 1000 Ringgit deposit from expats. Why? Because they disappear.

then again don't tell Maxis, they don't control their credit much ..

Years ago, when I was posted there temporarily in KL, I had a 1,000 RM deposit, but my monthly bill crossed over 2,000 RM

I agree with the landlords being stiffed ..

I too had to do it once, when the landlord went on offensive, despite the fact that I was jobless he kept insisting that I must fulfill the lease period ..

ecureilx wrote:I too had to do it once, when the landlord went on offensive, despite the fact that I was jobless he kept insisting that I must fulfill the lease period ..

And whatever we have been saying about 'honouring your contracts' just flew out of the window...

the lynx wrote:

ecureilx wrote:I too had to do it once, when the landlord went on offensive, despite the fact that I was jobless he kept insisting that I must fulfill the lease period ..

And whatever we have been saying about 'honouring your contracts' just flew out of the window...

well, sometimes landlords need a reality check (not all, just the types I was referring to the types like above .. )

Thanks guys. Its something to think about. I don't plan to stiff the landlord but at the same time, I prefer not to be stiffed myself ...

As I am also searching for a new place by the end of the year. I have been reading a lot of ads recently. To the surprise of many here there are a LOT of landlords offering one-year leases at the moment. Probably the greed factor creeping in of hoping rents will go even higher in a year.

Allibert wrote:As I am also searching for a new place by the end of the year. I have been reading a lot of ads recently. To the surprise of many here there are a LOT of landlords offering one-year leases at the moment. Probably the greed factor creeping in of hoping rents will go even higher in a year.

It's definitely not altruism, I can assure you of that.

At first I was going to ask SE what's the big deal about a 1000RM deposit, until I remembered Maxis was the mobile phone provider, not a place to live