Agent/landlord problem with TA, please help!

[Kahuna123]

Hello,

Last August, I gave verbal notice to the landlords' agent about my intent to leave 3 months later on December 1st. In that conversation, I asked for the landlords' contact details to give the required written notice. to which the agent would not give such details rendering it impossible to give the written notice. He made a story about how he shouldn't tell the landlord and he'll find a renter. As he was the only access point of communication to the landlord, I didn't have a choice. The contract states the after 12 months, only one month's written notice needs to be given, I gave notice at the 14-month point. I have WhatsApp messages of conversation for viewings and my intent to leave for 3 months before my leave date. Including a recording, I made (in my home), of him acknowledging that I gave a 3 month notice.

I now have the landlord after me for 2 months' rent in lieu as stipulated in the contract for not giving written notice. If this agent is acting on behalf of the landlord and is the only way of contact with the landlord, wouldn't he be responsible for rent in lieu? I was actually unable to give such written notice, how could I be held accountable?

During the notice period, he also tried to extort me for different commission rates and hold a deposit ransom to which a have the details and proof in multiple WhatsApp messages. I have also not received a deposit with no reason as to why. So, in this case, the landlord kept the deposit with no issues after handover and is asking for rent in lieu.

Side note:
The tenancy agreement also has the wrong FIN number under my name, still valid? And I wasn't aware at the time but, the stamp duty was never paid on this tenancy agreement, still valid? I am in the process of paying it now as I know that was a mistake.

Thank you, anyone, for your time to help! Much appreciated.

[tt1973]

Looks like you have encountered a rogue agent. I suggest:

1. Forward Landlord the Whatsapp message as proof of Notice
2. Lodge a complaint with CEA against this agent about not informing Landlord about the Notice, non-stamping and also the extortion
3. Inform agent and if possible Landlord that you will forward this case to IRAS for the non-stamping of the TA

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sounds like a plan! ^^^^

[PNGMK]

4. Inform agent you will also seek redress via SCT.