Landlord not refunding deposit

[ironman42]

Hi All,

Unfortunately, I am in a similar situation as a number of other expats - the Landlord has refused to refund my deposit even though it has been 2 months since the handover. I have read multiple threads in the forum which recommend to go to Small Claims Tribunal.

However, in my case, the Landlord is a foreigner (non-Singaporean) who does not reside in Singapore. One of the requirements for filing with SCT is that the defendant should be present in Singapore. Now, the Landlord agent did say during the handover that he would represent the landlord in SCT if required. However, unsurprisingly, my multiple emails to the landlord, Landlord agent and the Real estate agency to get confirmation of landlord's legal representative in Singapore have gone unanswered.

I am not sure if I would want to go through the expensive process of hiring a lawyer, as I dont see it being worth the expense and the effort.

Would really appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks in advance.

[Lisafuller]

If SCT doesn’t work out, your options are either going to the police (probably ineffective as they would likely refer you to the SCT) or to forgo the deposit. What is the reason your landlord provided for not refunding the deposit?

[PNGMK]

You can report the agent to the https://www.cea.gov.sg/aceas/public-register for some of this. That may get his attention.

[ironman42]

If SCT doesn’t work out, your options are either going to the police (probably ineffective as they would likely refer you to the SCT) or to forgo the deposit. What is the reason your landlord provided for not refunding the deposit?

Thanks for the reply. However, I am not sure if I can go to the SCT without having confirmation of Landlord's legal representative.

On the reason, there was a small mark on the floor. The handover agreement clearly stated that the landlord will get it cleaned/repaired. But the Landlord hasnt got it rectified, nor is he returning the deposit (even partial deposit)

It is frustrating to see foreign landlords abuse this loophole in Singapore's law.

[ironman42]

You can report the agent to the https://www.cea.gov.sg/aceas/public-register for some of this. That may get his attention.

Thanks. I have done that. Fingers crossed.