tenant rights

[happyjeri]

HI all,

i have some questions which we're unsure.
We have signed a contract and the rent starts next wed. The landlord initially agreed that all the old furnitures & shelves will be removed & discarded before we moved in, but now, he wants us to remove it when we start renovation. It will cost at least $600 to remove everything!

Can we not pay our 1st rent until he has moved away everything? The agreement stated he rent us a vacant shop , so do we have the right to ensure everything is cleared before we pay and move in?

THanks!
Jer

[jpatokal]

Is the landlord's agreement to vacate the apartment in writing? If yes, tell him that either he gets the apartment cleaned out by moving day, or you'll do it for him and send him the bill -- and that you'll go to Small Claims Court to get the money if he doesn't pay up. Make sure you document any conversations with him and , if he doesn't agree to taking care of it, send him the ultimatum by registered mail as well.

Of course, if it was just a verbal promise, you're screwed. S$600 sounds pretty high though, I've moved across Singapore with a truck and eleven (count 'em!) guys hauling my crap for a third of that...