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Rented accom bond/security deposit unreasonably with-held?

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tatuanui
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Rented accom bond/security deposit unreasonably with-held?

Post by tatuanui » Tue, 27 Oct 2009 8:09 pm

Hi.

I keep hearing that it's not uncommon for landlords in Singapore to keep all of the security deposit/bond for no reasonable reason. That they consider normal wear-and tear to be damage caused by the tenant and that small things (e.g. a chip in the floor tile) to require a complete new replacement (e.g. re-tiling the entire floor). That would be something like renting a car and the rental company keeping all your deposit because you wore the tyres down by a few hundred km's and they have to buy band new tyres I guess.

I'd just like to gauge how common this is by running a poll (first attempt at a poll) of forum users based on their actual experience.

Yes, I'm sure there are a few people who'd love to made cynical comments but I'd like to be a litle serious here and get some vaguely statistical information.

Thanks for your time.

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napalm
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Post by napalm » Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:39 am

our old landlord took 600 from our deposit. we really didnt break anything just normal wear and tear after staying for 2 years, but she insisted we did. basing on my friends' experience also, i think there's a 50/50 chance it will happen

well guess what, that money they take from you for fixing/replacement... they dont really use it to fix anything. ask the new tenants, they will still see that chip on the floor when they move in.

so if your landlord/agent insist that they will deduct from your deposit, ask for a receipt or check on them that they will replace

x9200
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Post by x9200 » Fri, 30 Oct 2009 7:03 am

napalm wrote:our old landlord took 600 from our deposit. we really didnt break anything just normal wear and tear after staying for 2 years, but she insisted we did. basing on my friends' experience also, i think there's a 50/50 chance it will happen

well guess what, that money they take from you for fixing/replacement... they dont really use it to fix anything. ask the new tenants, they will still see that chip on the floor when they move in.

so if your landlord/agent insist that they will deduct from your deposit, ask for a receipt or check on them that they will replace
Landlord is not obliged to use this money to fix any damage (real or not) done by the tenant so unless the reduced deposit is returned as cash I see no point of doing it.
As general precautions always have everything well documented (take pictures, make a list of defects/damages) on the day you moved in and out.
It is also good to know that for such problems, withheld deposit up to SGD10k and the rental period not exceeding 2 years the juristdiction is within small claims tribunal - low filling claim fees ($10), relatively simple procedures, no need for a lawyer.

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