Stir fried vegetables not a normal part of human experience?

[x9200]

Every agent i've met tells me that it is "NORMAL" practice for the landlord to hold a set of keys to the flat and the bedroom - is this really true? If it's not as X9020 suggests, then why do they all say it?

Macaroonie, a bit different. I think is normal (very common) but I think it is not entirely right and it shows some ways when it comes to this topic. With some local renting experience already it was never mentioned to us that the landlord should keep a set of spare keys. Just opposite, agents and the landlords always tried to make the impression that we got all the sets. And recently our landlord changed to a different one (the property was sold) and the new one wanted to visit his property so he made an appointment - ok so far, but he was apparently so exited, that he managed to get to our door steps without contacting us first via intercom. To do this he needed an electronic key. When we asked him with a smile how he did get inside he was clearly embarrassed and then was a long conversation in Chinese between him and his agent. After this visit we changed our lock.

[macaroonie]

Did you tell him you changed your lock or did you just do it? It's rather a lawless place here, why is that so when it's suppose to be a clean, neat, efficient, safe country where any deviation from the law can lead to a canning? just doesn't make sense, life here too is an oxymoron.

Nakatago you sure life in the south of france is that expensive? But imagine the working hours (restricted to 35 hrs), the amazing food, the beautiful countryside, the art galleries etc etc... Even Canada with it's great lakes, autumn maple leaves, sky fields, plenty of fresh fruit and open spaces... ok ok the universe is telling me something here...

Thanks everyone for your replies, have a fantastic weekend

[nakatago]

Did you tell him you changed your lock or did you just do it? It's rather a lawless place here, why is that so when it's suppose to be a clean, neat, efficient, safe country where any deviation from the law can lead to a canning? just doesn't make sense, life here too is an oxymoron.

That's what happens when a third world country emphasized economic development to turn it into a first world country as fast as possible without making sure that its citizens mature socially correspondingly.

Nakatago you sure life in the south of france is that expensive? But imagine the working hours (restricted to 35 hrs), the amazing food, the beautiful countryside, the art galleries etc etc...

The headhunter that contacted me then gave me a document on life there. Ok, it's really nice over there but with the higher tax rates and standard of living, I think it really isn't less expensive there. Quality of life is another story.

That... and I'm still trying to console myself for having that opportunity of a lifetime being taken away from me.

[x9200]

Did you tell him you changed your lock or did you just do it?

No. There is nothing in our contract preventing me from doing this.

It's rather a lawless place here, why is that so when it's suppose to be a clean, neat, efficient, safe country where any deviation from the law can lead to a canning? just doesn't make sense, life here too is an oxymoron.

Hey, c'mon, is not that bad . The whole rental mess with greedy and unethical landlords is one of really few more serious issues that expats may need to face in Singapore but if you take extra precautions and know your right you can pretty efficiently minimize the risk. The rest of the stuff is almost purely a matter of personal annoyances. Read the contract, understand it, if you do not like something request the change, if not possible - move on. The agents will always say "it is normal" "it is a standard thing in the contract". Bull sh*t. And if your rights are violated - sue the bastards, its cheap and straight-forward in small claims tribunal. I know that it is rather painful to find a right place to live but better to spend this time before than to have a living hell after.
Good luck

[macaroonie]

Thanks X9200!

[guerrilla_panda]

My landlord is lovely but I can only use the stove once a week. I would understand if she used it herself, but she eats out 90 percent of the time. We wouldn't compete for kitchen time at all.