x9200 wrote:k1w1 wrote:X9200, have you ever done a handover? The final inspection is done then, and both parties have to agree to what the damages are (if any) and what will be deducted for that. This is all documented and signed by both parties and then the tenant hands the keys over... The landlord is trying to change this now after the tenant has signed it. That just won't hold up in a court no matter how you try to spin it out.
Yes. I've done it after staying 7 years in one place but still, the way it is done is up to both parties to agree so it is not necessarily the way you described as there is no law governing it. What I described earlier is based on general, civil law. If you have a situation as you described, meaning that both parties AGREED upon something at the moment of the handover then this is valid and I have no objections here. In such case everything should be documented and signed to avoid later some nasty surprises.
X9200 actually you are not quite right at all, the tenant does not have to agree at all, they are just interested in getting the
property, that is why the Landlord draws up a contract in his favour and not the tenants.
Most tenants are just not experienced enough in dealing with property rental contracts in various Countries, and can be easy to hoodwink, though if you have experience and a systematic approach of your own high standards, which will in fact be different to mine, you may have a chance of not losing your money.
The more regimental you are in your check in, the safer your deposit is, even if the landlord doesn't agree to your checkin, you still have the proof that you had checked the property in a systematic way and logged all the faults.
Signing a rental contract is not based on two people agreeing anything at all other than paying the rental and deposit. If you do not sign you do not get it and one is not at liberty to change the contract to favour a tenant.
A check list doesn't have to be mentioned at all, and it is not in the landlords favour to mention it! That's how tenants fall prey to landlords.
Though even when the tenant fills in a check list, there are those unethical Landlords that still will not sign or agree to the list.
Even if you take it to court. It is the judge that decides hopefully in your favour when you present the evidence, because Singapore is inclined to favour the landlords over tenants unless you have the proof.
You need to think like Landlord V's Tenant or is it Tenant V's Landlord and not two people agreeing, because one party may just change their mind, You as a tenant have to defend yourself and not admit liability, evidence and proof is the only way. Landlords are strangers and should be treated with caution, even the nicest of person can change, when it comes to money.
Some more food for thought is about car accidents, I have seen here in Singapore, just how naive and stupid people are, when one blames the other for the accident, because one is not 100% sure if they are in the right or wrong, they give in and offer to pay for the damage, without going through the insurance.
Military first word of warning, never ever admit liability, secondly draw a diagram of how the accident occurred, take measurements and witness statements.....because you has a soldier are trained to a higher standard and have routine in driving. If you are negligent you will be punished by two courts of law civilian and military.
Unless you know full well that you caused the accident, you can call the bluff of the other driver, again its how experienced you are at driving and how well you understand the driving code of practise.
I was photographed in the bus lane, and a fine of 130$ was sent to me, on my appeal, the fine was rescinded, because i made a diagram to prove, i was in the right and all the other drivers, where in fact guilty of not allowing me in the driving lane. If you notice at any junction turning left, you are filtered into the road on the far left approaching the bus lane, though traffic must allow you into the driving lane if you are indicating, but rarely do Singaporeans give way.
With a bus behind me, if i stop outside the bus lane, I cause an obstruction to the bus, if i drive on the bus will be on time.....who's at fault, obviously the drivers, that do not allow me into the bus lane.
I recommend that Singaporean traffic police clamp down on bad drivers, to improve the standards, hit their pockets and they will soon get the message that good driving skills include also road courtesy.
It's really not at all difficult to have high standards of doing most things, if you have the interest and experience to learn from mistakes one makes on life's journey.
If you know you are going to move house many times, then make a systemised plan of action of checking each room. door frames, locks & keys, move left to right, check all walls and window frames, locks & keys, then ceiling and light fittings, last the floor for stains, cracks scratches and other defects, before moving to the next room also pelmets should be dust free.
All toilets should function with no blocked drainage flush toilets, check sinks and pipes by running water and inspect for leaks, check wall tiles and floor tiles for damp by tapping, hollow sound will indicate the tile is not stuck to the plaster or wall a large area will indicate water seeping through the membrane at floor level, check cupboard hinges and draws.
I've moved over 20 times in my short life in many different countries, and each one has their own landlord sharks, though Singapore appears to have the most, because of no tenant protection, so evidence is required to beat the odds of losing some or all of your deposit. Last of all if the landlord or agent refuses to sign the list you made, seal it in a envelope and get the post office to date stamp the back over the seal, to show its not been opened. Post it to yourself and keep it in case any dispute goes to court, only then let the judge open the sealed envelope with the date stamp intact..
and SMS never lets me forget it! 
