Landlord advice

[SGBound]

Hi, looking for advice. We are in a dispute with our landlord after they failed to provide a timeline or fix our water pumps and clean our water tank for 43 days following an electrical fire to the water pumps due to a failure of their wirings (most likely cause is that they were never serviced). For 43 days we have been unable to use 3 out of 4 bathrooms, sharing one small shower room amongst a family of 5. We are still seeing black rubber particles in the water, and often see rusty orange water flowing from taps. Now over 60 days on so we are still not using the bathrooms. We have advised the landlords that we're leaving in 2 months due to their failure to do the major repairs. They are being completely unreasonable and told us they expect us to pay rent even if we move out. Does anyone have any advice or similar experience?

[sndy]

This looks like a breach of contract by the owner.
You are within your rights to vacate the place.

Inform of your decision on email to the owner if not already done so. Most likely he is not going to return the deposit, advisable to move this to SCT if he continues to be non-cooperative.

[PNGMK]

I doubt the OP is in Singapore.
(OP is the PH).

[SGBound]

I am in Singapore.

[sundaymorningstaple]

PNGMK, she is probably using a company server with a link here, check your mail. I can confirm she is here in Singapore.

[PNGMK]

Noted. Then either repair and claim costs from SCT or breach of contract and move out.

It is unusual to have tanks and a pump here so presumably landed property. In this case the LL can afford the repairs and is being cheap.

[SGBound]

Thank you for your comments - it is a landed property - the LL's have told us if we move out they will pay our deposit minus deductibles, they expect us to pay their agent's commission and still cover the rental if it doesn't rent straight away - which we feel is ridiculous considering they are the ones in breach.

The LL's are completely unreasonable, will not admit any responsibility...

[PNGMK]

1. Repair and take them to the SCT (with warning letters sent to them prior - "We intend to repair the tank and claim the cost against you. Should you not pay we will request the SCT to issue a judgement on you etc etc"), the SCT is a proven and effective route for forcing recalitrant landlords to obey the TA contract. Don't breach the agreement by vacating. With some luck the LL will try to force you out and end in breach which allows you to claim back costs of moving etc. DO NOT deduct the cost of repairs from the rent as this causes you to be in breach.

2. Move out and then fight a rear guard action in the SCT to reclaim the deposit on the basis that the premises were not habitable. You need to keep proof of your attempts to resolve the situation with the LL. I would also be counter claiming for cost of moving (prematurely). In no way do you need to pay their agents fee.

I assume there is a repair clause in the contract (all major repairs to LL less $150 or similar?).