How to get a 7-month lease?

[rosborn]

There's a 50/50 chance we are relocating from SG in Dec. Our current lease expires May. Landlord is not open to a shorter lease.

Does anyone have suggestions how I can connect to agents or landlords who will accept a short terms lease since their properties are vacant?

Yes I am aware of Serviced Apartments and yes that is an option but I would prefer to find a good home instead.

[BoroBoy]

My dad got a similar length lease a few years ago and he just called a few agents and told them his requirement. He got a place at the Regalia on a 6 month fixed then rolling month by month. Can't remember the exact figures but think he ended up paying about $1000 extra more per month than he would have done if he had a taken a 2 year contract.

[LongTimeHere]

: rosborn

A seven month contract is not attractive to most landlords as he pays the agent a commission too. Contract are for generally for a year.

Options I see:

a) Most rental contracts have a diplomatic clause which states something like if your company is terminating you and you have to leave the country then you can terminate the contract. Do note you have to show evidence for this and getting your deposit refunded will be difficult as the landlord can stall knowing you are leaving Singapore on a certain date.

b) Sign a contract for one year with option by both sides to terminate with one months notice after six months stay. There is a slim chance that a landlord might bite and rent out. This route is however not fair to the landlord but its an option.

c) Openly state that you want a seven month contract. It is allowable for private property but landlords usually sign such contracts because they are going overseas for a while or there is construction going on in the neighborhood. Posting on property forums will get you some responses.

All the best. Have done (b) & (c) before.

[Strong Eagle]

Tell your landlord that instead of a lease, you'll go month to month with him instead.

[JR8]

There's a 50/50 chance we are relocating from SG in Dec. Our current lease expires May. Landlord is not open to a shorter lease.

Does anyone have suggestions how I can connect to agents or landlords who will accept a short terms lease since their properties are vacant?

Yes I am aware of Serviced Apartments and yes that is an option but I would prefer to find a good home instead.

As Strong Eagle suggests, often you would go 'month-to-month', to continue a fixed term [i.e. it becomes a Statutory Periodic Tenancy].

You would be a mug, as a landlord, to have a decent tenant and refuse to let them go 'periodic'*.

The only caveat on this is a flat vacating in December-February is a bummer, as very few people relo during that time, so for the experienced landlord, they know a tenant leaving in that period spells a rental Death-Valley void period.

* They're out of their fixed term. I.e. they can give a months notice to quit at any time; and the landlord can give two months notice for them to quit at any time.

[the lynx]

The only exception I can see in this case is if the landlord has already engaged a new tenant to take over right after the current contract expires. Then there is nothing he can do about it.

[rosborn]

Thanks so much for your response. In the end the landlord agreed to our terms so that's good news. Thanks again.