Withholding my last 2 mths rent - legal implications?

[kitkat2006]

Hi folks. I'm planning on terminating my lease when it expires. I have paid a 2 mth deposit and want to know how easy/hard others have found it to get their deposit back. I'm wondering whether to not pay the last two months rent - she can take it from the deposit and if there's anything I owe her I will pay her.

I was sorely bitten in another country where I was a great tenant - and the owner just made up rubbish and gave me none of my deposit back. My instincts are telling me she's a bit of a witch and tight with money - plus I'm sure she knows what she can and can't do.

I don't want to do anything that will see me fined, charged, rotan'ed or such - but want to make sure I'm one step ahead of the game here.

Thanks

[kimm]

Did she told you that she not going to return you the money or
u just asume it?
If she had told you that,than i suggest that,you tell her that
you are not going to pay for the last remining 2mths.
To what i know,most deposit will be return or be use for the last
remining rent payment.
And i do believed that is what she trying to do.

[k1w1]

Why did you pay two month's deposit?

She can technically boot you out if you're overdue in rent. Two months is a bit long not to pay - don't pay the last month maybe?

[kitkat2006]

Thanks Kiwi. Actually it wouldn't bother me to be booted out - but maybe will withhold one months rent. Another colleague told me to skip one month's rent during the lease and take ages to pay it back. By the time I give my notice I'll be one month ahead - give my notice and not pay the last month.

What I want to understand is the legal situation I do withhold it - whether she needs to give me a warning or such? Someone told me to change the locks on the door because the come and throw your stuff out.

[Cheekybeek]

Do you have an agent? And are you already paying rent in advance? usually you pay the first month on the day you move in. What does your contract say? When you give notice make her sign it and make sure it states that all deposits less damages should be returned.

[kitkat2006]

Hi Cheeky Beek, I have an agent and I've been living in the flat for 15mths already. She took 2 months deposit PLUS one month in advance.

This is why I'm concerned they will withhold the two months when I move out. I don't intend to break the lease just give notice when my two years is up.

[Wham]

Kit Kat, i have always had good experiences in Singapore as most landlords are reasonably law abiding. However, i did get quite screwed in London as the owner knew i was leaving the country and she was a real scum (Anne Evans was her name in case anyone comes across her). So my thought is that IF you are staying in town, you might want to play by the rules - but if you are leaving town - and the landlord knows it - then maybe skip the last month and assume she will keep all of the deposit - as according to most leases she will be allowed to do.