Top 5 Common Problems During Condo Tenancy in Singapore
Introduction : Top 5 Common Problems During Condo Tenancy in Singapore
Delayed or Non-Payment of Rent
Case Study 1: Delayed or Non-Payment of Rent
Scenario:
Mr. Tan, a Landlord, Rents out his condo to Ms. Lim. Initially, rent payments are punctual, but after six months, Ms. Lim starts delaying payments due to unexpected medical expenses.
Challenges:
- Mr. Tan relies on rental income to pay the mortgage.
- Ms. Lim is concerned about incurring late payment penalties.
Solution:
Mr. Tan contacts Ms. Lim to discuss the situation. They agree on a temporary payment plan that allows Ms. Lim to pay a reduced amount for three months, with the balance to be settled later. This agreement is documented in writing.
Conclusion
Maintenance and Repair Issues
Case Study 2: Maintenance and Repair Issues
Scenario:
During the tenancy, the air conditioning unit in Mr. Lee’s rented condo breaks down. Despite repeated requests, the landlord, Mr. Wong, delays repairs.
Challenges:
- Mr. Lee is uncomfortable due to the tropical climate.
- The delay causes tension between tenant and landlord.
Solution:
Mr. Lee refers to the tenancy agreement, which states that the landlord is responsible for major repairs. He contacts a property management service recommended by Gary from buycondo.sg, who promptly addresses the issue. Mr. Wong reimburses Mr. Lee for the repair costs as per their agreement.
Disputes Over Security Deposit Deductions
Case Study 3: Disputes Over Security Deposit Deductions
Scenario:
At the end of her lease, Ms. Chen is surprised to find that her landlord, Mr. Lim, wants to deduct a significant portion of her security deposit for alleged damages to the flooring.
Challenges:
- Ms. Chen believes the wear is normal given the two-year tenancy.
- Mr. Lim insists on the deductions based on his assessment.
Solution:
Both parties review the initial condition report and photos taken at the start of the tenancy. The evidence shows that the wear was indeed minimal. They agree to a smaller deduction for minor cleaning, and the rest of the deposit is returned to Ms. Chen.
Violation of Tenancy Agreement Terms
Case Study 4: Violation of Tenancy Agreement Terms
Scenario:
Mr. and Mrs. Ong rent out their condo to Mr. Kumar, who sublets a room without permission, violating the tenancy agreement.
Challenges:
- The Ongs are concerned about potential liability and increased wear on the property.
- Mr. Kumar argues that he needed help with rent payments.
Solution:
The Ongs remind Mr. Kumar of the agreement terms and the potential penalties for violations. They decide to issue a formal warning and allow Mr. Kumar to continue his lease, provided he ceases the subletting immediately. They also conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance.
Worse Case Scenerio that hope to be avoided.
Termination and Renewal Challenges
Case Study 5: Termination and Renewal Challenges
Scenario:
As their lease nears expiration, Mr. and Mrs. Tan wish to renew their tenancy. However, the landlord, Mr. Ng, plans to sell the condo.
Challenges:
- The Tans are settled in the neighborhood and prefer not to move.
- Mr. Ng is focused on Selling the property quickly.
Solution:
Mr. Ng offers the Tans a short-term extension while they search for a new place. He also provides a reference letter to support their rental applications. In return, the Tans agree to keep the property in pristine condition for potential buyer viewings.
