Hello friends,
I have been living in Singapore for 3 years now in the same HDB flat. My TA renewal is just around the corner. My agent informed me few weeks back that the HDB approval is only left for 8 months so the TA renewal will only possible for 8 months. After 8 months the landlord will apply for HDB approval again and he will be getting the approval almost guaranteed. Now that I am prepared to sign the agreement for 8 months the agent says the agent fees will be much higher. The agent fee for short term lease (less than 12 months) is double the normal standard (fee equivalent to half month rent for 12 months contract). He is charging me at 1 month rent for 12 months and prorating it for 8 months.
More importantly he has disclosed this amount just yesterday when we have already completed all other formalities with the landlord and about to sign TA. How legal is this ? Is he taking me for a ride ? What can I do ?
The problem is I cannot change the agent because the landlord (who lives abroad) wants him to take care of the house.
By any chance is it possible to have a 12 months agreement even though HDB approval is only there for 8 months and we mention "subject to HDB approval" in a clause ?