I have a friend who is getting worried with an upcoming move.
The friend’s rented condo was purchased by a new owner who plans to renovate the condo and move in. The condo is 15+ years old and my friend rented for many years through covid, so there is obviously some wear and tear.
The agent of the former owner offered to send the former owner’s preferred handyman to help my friend make any minor repairs. The handyman instead took photos of a number of items and sent them to the agent. Instead of making repairs, the agent suggested to let the new owner make deductions from tbe security deposit. The supposed repairs are wear and tear related, like a light fixture that turns out to be broken and cannot be fixed by just replacing the bulb, or a rubber fixture in a glass sliding door that has hardened with age.
The former owner’s agent then suggested to my friend to just let the new owner deduct from the security deposit for cleaning curtains and the final aircon servicing. The agent said the new owner plans to replace the curtains that are going to be cleaned, though of course the contract requires curtain cleaning.
The former owner’s agent and handyman also repeatedly say the new owner is very difficult and hard to deal with.
This is all very strange, and my friend doesn’t know if these people are trying to help or if this is a scam.
Is what was described normal and friendly handover practice in Singapore?