Hi guys,
To provide some context, I am currently based and will still be based in Singapore moving forward. I have just ended a 4 years (split into 2 tenancy contracts due to renewals) residential tenancy in Singapore with my landlord, a Singaporean. It was rented out fully furnished
During the handover, the landlord brought along an acquaintance (Spouse, sibling, friend?) who then started to nitpick at things which were obviously wear and tear. I was intimidated as I knew the professional cleaners whom I have engaged to perform moving out cleaning, curtain dry clean, upholstery, did not really do a good job, and caved in to their demands on the spot for replacement of some of the items. Though, ALL of the items just required a re-clean as they were not faulty nor damaged AT ALL.
I did not sign off on the tenancy checklist and handed the keys over to the landlord's agent as the landlord refused for it to be signed.
Fast forward to 1 week after the handover, the landlord then claimed questionable + excessive costs to the "Damage" I have caused, which coincidentally amounted to around the sum of my deposit. i.e wall damage (when they are just small tiny scuffs), replacement of furnitures (which were also clearly an upgrade) etc etc. All forms of negotiation via the landlord's agent, including offering to replace the furnitures and fittings to a similar one and offering to pay for re-cleaning were refused, as they wanted to charge exorbitantly for damages caused. I.e Repainting walls, charging for PREMIUM furnitures and fittings, re-hire a professional cleaner, replacing oven, replacing hood, replacing washer (as we had not had the chance to test the appliances because the utilities were shut off on the day of handover).
There is a clause in the tenancy agreement to seek mediation/arbitration and would like to offer that to the landlord first, before taking the matter to the small claims tribunal. However they are based overseas according to the agent.
It is also stated that the small claims tribunal cannot bring a claim against a person who is out of jurisdiction.
Anyone has an experience like this before?
