Problems with agents complaints to CASE 2003: 447 to 469 in 2004 and 672 in 2005. The New Paper dated 9th December 2006 also states, that CASE does not take on disputes for tenents. However tenants are encouraged to take the dispute to the small claims tribunal and the Community Mediation Centre.
This year 20 foreigners sought help from CASE 16 had lodged complaint on rental issues. all except one were tenants. Agents that are not on the central IEA's registration scheme, should be avoided.
www.iea.org.sg
It appears tenants have limited protection, I feel blackmailed into paying the new rental fee of 25% or move.
Luckily I have a letter stating they wanted to increase the rent by half of what they are now demanding, and because it is a new contract, I have already told them I will not move, and that we will see it in the small claims court for arbitration.
We will except a reasonable rent increase, but not exploitation and blackmail. I feel if one does't stand up to these greedy tactics, then no tenant will be safe, ever.
Obviously they now want us out, because, they can up the rental, but why should we disturb the whole family harmony, to please greedy landords & agents.
Of course it is principle from my point of view, for those on low incomes, they should have some form of protection, against Landlords & Agents.