Singapore Expats

I will stick to the rules of the forum. Yet I am in desperate search of some information. I have read a lot of websites, forums, and still have a few questions in concern to the open market rental.

I understand it can be a dreary and outright dangerous practice. So I hope to find some of your knowledge to help protect a dear friend of mine. Single, under 35 and no family to turn to, my friend had a hard time finding a place to call home in Singapore.

Finding a place, a contract was signed. Yet the moment my friend moved in, the LL started to raise the rent on a 2 month basis, under claim of: 'the prices are going up, I am forced to do this.'

To me this feels very wrong and criminal. My friend is very tidy and takes care of the places at own expense. Also it is a small place, 1 room appartment, not furnished, no extra services. Also no improvements or repairs have been done by the LL to warrant his claim to raise the rent, over and over and over. I know laws in Singapore are not elaborate when it comes to the rental business, but it seems to me he does not stick to the contract. So now I have two general questions:

1: can you defend yourself against these sudden increases in rent? Or better said, how best to deal with this as a law abiding citizen?

2. There must be good stories out there of people being satisfied as tenant and LL. Will you please speak up, how did your great experience become a reality? I read some on this forum and that convinced me to post here to look for help. I wish the same for my friend. A trustworthy LL, for a trustworthy and caring tenant.

Any specific referrals are appreciated, but as I understand the rules, please put these in a PM.


Thank you ever so much for your time.

What are the terms in the lease regarding the rent?

There is a small claims tribunal (can't remember it's formal name, but you can find it by searching here). Anyone can represent themselves for claims of <10,000. This is where most landlord-tenant disputes end up.

My personal experience is simply expressing knowledge of this and a willingness to bring a claim is enough to get a landlord to fall into line.

Brian,

Thanks for your response. I will pass on the information.

I found the info on the mediation possibilities and the claim tribunal you mention. The mediatiors claim these matters are not for them (how convenient). As for the tribunal, yes that's an option. Unfortunately I fear this landlord will continue this kind of behavior.

My friend tends to believe in the good nature of people. I fear this is often used against her, taking advantage of her kindness.

There are no terms in regards to the lease, thats why I am so weirded out by the whole thing. They agreed to a rental price, but then the landlord claims the prices are going up (they aren't) and through my friend's agent pretends to mediate, and they both agree to raise the rent. Then my friend also has to pay the agent since he has to adapt the contract... and charges fee.

Maybe it is my lack of faith in certain people, but all I see here is greed and a form of social extortion. It is quite stressful for people not used to getting into heated discussions.

What are people's experiences with contracts and the rent? The rent stays the same for the duration of the contract?