Leaving Singapore - return of deposits.

[Similan]

Hello, I will be leaving Singapore in a few months after a 1 year stay and am wondering how I go about ensuring that the landlord returns my deposit.

As I'll move out the day that I head to the airport, what are my options? I'm sure it'll be easy for him to think, "Good bye, thanks for the extra cash".

[Jeppo]

Thugs4hire?

[andy21]

Will you maintain a local bank account after you leave? Better still, do you have a friend whom you trust to pick up the check and send you the proceeds?

The landlord is not obligated to return you the deposit on the very day you leave. So nothing you can do there.

Check with your landlord or his/her agent early. Tactfully remind them you expect your deposit back somehow, and you will take 'firm' action if they don't return what's due to you. Not quite sure what kind of action is feasible though if you're out of country, Thugs4hire?

[jpatokal]

You can still sue them in small claims court, just give a buddy in Singapore power of attorney and let them file on your behalf. You get your money and buddy gets a few beers for his trouble

[Similan]

OK. Thanks for the input.

I don't have any buddies remaining behind that I would want to burden a small-claims with.

Its a shame that Singapore doesn't have a "Rental Bond Board" like they do in Oz.

I guess I'll just have to write it off and consider it a bonus if it does get returned.

[jpatokal]

You can always ask in the Classifieds. I once arranged a total stranger to file on my behalf in Hong Kong after a local rag ripped off my work, and paid him 10% commission from the settlement .

[durain]

cant you ask for your money back by writing it on the wall with red paint outside the landlord resident? seems to work wonders for tenant in HDB oweing money to "snake heads".

[ksl]

OK. Thanks for the input.

I don't have any buddies remaining behind that I would want to burden a small-claims with.

Its a shame that Singapore doesn't have a "Rental Bond Board" like they do in Oz.

I guess I'll just have to write it off and consider it a bonus if it does get returned.

I don't mind reminding him, just send me his address and phone number and leave me your details, I have lots of time on my hands...but I don't want him to pay me, he can just send you the money.

In fact the best way, is through paypal, it doesn't cost him anything, it cost you. I think. If he doesn't send you the money, we can send the details to the New Paper, they love scandals.


He can also give you a post dated check! Remind him if it bounces, it will make front page! ha! or even tell him to deposit it with a solicitor, and have the solicitor post it on. shouldn't cost you more than 50$, because his secretary will do the work

[Similan]

OK. Thanks again.

I hope that it doesn't come to that and he hands it over without any problems, but that gives me a little more hope if he decides not to co-operate.