Agent's Threat

[Roy_alt]

Hi,

I have sent a lengthy message in the forum regarding my experience with a letting agent. Unfortunately It is not posted. May be due to the size of the message or it is under review by admin.

In summary - I was not happy with the agent's dealing in a new transaction as I felt some cheating(not monetarily but contractual statements and all other supports even though the agent is representing me).

So I clearly mentioned the reasons and said that this is a cheating and I do not want to continue your service If I am contractually not obliged.

The funny and Interesting thing is that the agent is threatening me that the agent is going to sue me because I used the word "cheating".

How can I handle this threat ? going to CEA.
I am not afraid of it but , is it ethical to threat a foreigner ?

Any thoughts ?

[Roy_alt]

-Resending again...........................

Dear Members,

Just to share with you my experience with a letting agent recently and seek your advice as the agent is threatening me to sue for using the word “cheatingâ€Â

[The Ref]

Since there was cheating (I feel) happened in the second dealing, I thought of studying the first dealings in detail and have these questions.
Why did the agent asked me to pay SGD 900 to her assistant as commission. I have noticed that the agent can’t collect commission from both parties.

I don't know about whether it is legal to charge both parties, but I do know it is a common thing and that if you agree verbally to pay the commission you are bound to do so and it is breech of contract if you don't. I personally think this is a scam, but it happens and you have agreed to it. I believe you have to pay that money.

As to the change in contract after you sign it, both parties have to initial changes so it is not a valid contract. You could fight to get your deposit back but:
* you would have to find somewhere to live otherwise
* you run the risk that the contract is valid - or that the LL agrees to remove the alterations making the contract valid again and you then have 2 leases with a minimum of 12 months commitment on both.

In future:
a) do not agree to an agents commission. State the LL pays the commission and that you will deal with >1 agent and go with the one who provides you the best service.
b) don't pay the 1st month rent until the contract is agreed. a small deposit should hold the place for you.
c) adding GST at the end is a scam to increase the amount you pay.
d) The agent does not work for you. They get commission on the property so it is in their interest for you to pay as much as possible.

I am sure there is some time period after which you will not be held to a contract that you have signed but the other party has not. Someone else may know.

I suggest you reply in writing for them to confirm the original copy (the version you signed) is accepted or not. Do not accept *any* changes from that. Find the validity period as the contract may be back dated by them to within that period and you would then be legally be bound to pay you way out of it.

Putting all that aside, you still need to live somewhere.

[Roy_alt]

Hi The Ref, Noted your valid points.

I think the long story was confusing the readers.

Let me put it in more simple way.

Living in property “Aâ€Â

[x9200]

Yes, CEA. Looks like a typical case of the crooked agent. Majority of your points are valid so I will not go into details. As of suing you unless you said it within some broader than you two audience she can kiss your *beep*.

[livingontheedge]

Crooked agents are merely "posers". I wouldn't be too worried about this - honestly. You are kicking yourself over nothing.

[Roy_alt]

Crooked agents are merely "posers". I wouldn't be too worried about this - honestly. You are kicking yourself over nothing.

livingontheedge,
I am not worried, but I need
1. My money back.(SGD 2850.00 is nothing ?)
2. To report this agent's unethical way of performing duties.

[caonamhai]

You should report to CEA. The agent's CEA certificate may be revoked of his/her wrongdoings

[sundaymorningstaple]

You should report to CEA. The agent's CEA certificate may be revoked of his/her wrongdoings

Wow! That was original. It's only been said 3 times in this thread. Didn't bother to read the thread izzit? You much be from the AB. Or were you just wasting space trying to get your post count up to activate your PM function?

[livingontheedge]

Complain to CEA. The Agent's CEA certificate may be revoked.