Help needed

[Daft]

I moved into a HDB room on 7th January and parted with 2months rent on a 12 month lease, I know know this was too much but on questioning landlord said she can charge what she wants basically.

Since then and up to now I'm been forced harassed by the landlady and her strict house rules (she makes them up as she goes along) and also I think she is forcing me to exit early on tenancy by being unreasonable and making my stay in her house unpleasant.

She tells me today there is CCTV in the house and I have been recorded threatening her, this is a complete lie and I cannot believe I didn't know she was recording in the house she never mentioned on agreement or house rules.

She bangs late at night at 1.30am knowing she wakes me and is generally what I call unstable in her behavior to the point I feel like involving the police.

Of course by now I've clocked on to the fact she is trying her hardest to rip me off for the deposit so I leave and forfeit it. So I found a new place tonight but I have questions...

She threatens I cannot get my deposit back even if I took her to small claims court

That I would be liable for whole 12 months contract payment due to breaking house rules, that I have asked her to prove and list so I can strongly deny them.

I have to pay stamp duty but feel that would be the worst thing I could do by legally acknowledging the contract so it stands up in court if she wishes to counter sue for the remainder of the term of tenancy.

Just need any help advise if possible, welcome to Singapore has been tarnished by this

I really believe I'm living with a psychopath, I kid you not

Cheers daft

[JR8]

She tells me today there is CCTV in the house and I have been recorded threatening her, this is a complete lie and I cannot believe I didn't know she was recording in the house she never mentioned on agreement or house rules.

She bangs late at night at 1.30am knowing she wakes me and is generally what I call unstable in her behavior to the point I feel like involving the police.

Do involve the police. She sounds completely bonkers. I'd make a police report, along the lines that she's harassing and intimidating you, and that you fear for your personal safety.

[x9200]

Yes, go to the police. Before that, If you have any opportunity to record (voice recorder, mobile phone) some of her words harassing you, do it unless you have some witnesses. She will surely deny everything and you should be prepared for it but once she denies doing what you had on the tape, her credibility is gone.

[Dert42]

I'll open with I have no idea if this is legal in Singapore (and i'm not going to bother looking it up)
But in the US, it is not legal to tape/video someone without their knowledge. This would mean the landlord has no right to CCTV the resident, but likewise the resident has no right to tape a conversation without the landlord's consent.
Again, i don't know if it's the same in Singapore, but that might help/hurt your case there.

[x9200]

I'll open with I have no idea if this is legal in Singapore (and i'm not going to bother looking it up)
But in the US, it is not legal to tape/video someone without their knowledge. This would mean the landlord has no right to CCTV the resident, but likewise the resident has no right to tape a conversation without the landlord's consent.
Again, i don't know if it's the same in Singapore, but that might help/hurt your case there.

She may check with the police but as far as I know it is legal for the part I suggested. The major difference goes likely over the line whether the recording person was a part of the conversation (face to face conversation) or just planted the device and listens (records) some other people conversations. The later would be illegal.

[Beeroclock]

If you can afford to get by without the deposit money, then I'd get out ASAP especially as you found a new place already. Dealing with a "psychopath" is rarely a positive experience, so you might be better off cutting your losses rather than engaging further.

My other suggestion would be, if you haven't already, to formally note your grievances to her in writing. Keep a copy of this letter and record the date/time you gave it to her. At least it will give you something to refer to later if you involve police or go through a legal process.