My Singapore Trip to decide whether I relocate

[ShouldBeFun]

Since I emailed pictures of my dog I haven't heard back from the agent. Could be bad news or they just dont do any work on weekends. We shall see.

[JR8]

Photo probably got forwarded to the PRC owner (in China) who is currently considering how tasty your dog looks.

No, seriously. No news is often good news.

p.s. I'd say you're right, chill, it's the weekend. I'm in the middle of a property matter too and this morning had to remind myself... it's no surprise there's silence 'from the other side', most people simply take the w/e off!

[ShouldBeFun]

Photo probably got forwarded to the PRC owner (in China) who is currently considering how tasty your dog looks.

[ShouldBeFun]

Got a reply from the agent.

The landlord is still considering as the previous tenant had two dogs which left damage and also because the apartment now has a bad dog odour (Seriously??)...

The other concern is the landlord would prefer an immediate tenant and I cant move in until April 1st which is fair enough.

This is definitely becoming a wait and see.

[JR8]

Got a reply from the agent.

The landlord is still considering as the previous tenant had two dogs which left damage and also because the apartment now has a bad dog odour (Seriously??)...

The other concern is the landlord would prefer an immediate tenant and I cant move in until April 1st which is fair enough.

This is definitely becoming a wait and see.

-- You can be sure the landlord $raped the previous tenant for any damage as alleged, and then made a 100% margin on it too. And now he suggests he has to navel-gaze before being in such a bounteous situation again, right? Phhh...
-- What the previous tenant did is bugger all of your concern. The answer is simply yes or no. If neither, move on ASAP.
-- Move in date. This is likely the real concern. Doesn't want to swallow a further 7 week void, when he imagines 'Prince Perfect Tenant' (a la Cinderella or something lol) will magically turn up tomorrow.
-- Don't just sit and wait and see. Go out an seek alternatives. As often as not, IME, you end up happier by then finding something else.

[ShouldBeFun]

I was trying to figure out how many potential tenants could actually move in less than 7 weeks. Surely most people would need to give a months notice or be in similar position to mine that they hadn't actually relocated yet. I would assume that it being empty means its been on the market for a while.

Strange but I'll move on to looking at other places now and just forget about this one unless the landlord comes back.

Thanks for your advice!

[Hannieroo]

I would never rent from somebody that wasn't 100% ok with my dog from the start. If only because you need a letter from them to import. Walk away.

[Fortan]

Just by what you are writing, I would give it a miss as well. I viewed a penthouse at one point and I would be able to move within 2.5 weeks. I was told to pay a good faith deposit, which I guess is normal. I viewed the apartment on a Saturday morning and my money was sitting in a bank account in Switzerland, so I told the agent that I would transfer the money to the landlords account as soon as I could get the bank to do so. Which in this case would be Monday morning. The money would be in the landlords account Wednesday. The agent phoned up the landlord and he wasn't willing to wait until the following Wednesday for the money - he wanted them in cash before Monday. I backed out of that deal immediately.

I've also viewed several properties this time around that was completely smashed up. Dirty and filthy and broken doors and rotten carpets and mold in many places. Agent telling me it would be 'totally renovated' once I paid my good faith fee. JUST not my kind of thing.... I can't view something that is not okay and have enough trust in anyone in Singapore to get it in the state I expect it to be in afterwards. From what I hear it is very common here. I got myself a new agent after those incidents.

[ShouldBeFun]

All good advice, thanks.

My greatest fear regarding my accommodation is around my dog. I'm really concerned that when I get a place someone might make a complaint and the landlord says I have to get rid of the dog. Thats never going to happen and not sure how I can protect myself against that in a contract.

For the record my dog hardly ever barks, is well behaved but she is a boxer so by nature is a bit bonkers.

[JR8]

All good advice, thanks.

My greatest fear regarding my accommodation is around my dog. I'm really concerned that when I get a place someone might make a complaint and the landlord says I have to get rid of the dog. Thats never going to happen and not sure how I can protect myself against that in a contract.

For the record my dog hardly ever barks, is well behaved but she is a boxer so by nature is a bit bonkers.

If you rent a unit, and the landlord allows your dog then I don't think the landlord is going to be too concerned re: it's day to day behaviour.

Potentially more of a concern could be how a condo (and condo rules) cater for dogs. I.e. if the dog was barking all day, and causing a disturbance, then a neighbour could ultimately invoke any condo pet/nuisance rules.

But, IME, condo's tend to be occupied by busy people, people who have better things to do than fabricate vendettas against neighbours.

[the lynx]

But, IME, condo's tend to be occupied by busy people, people who have better things to do than fabricate vendettas against neighbours.

I'm not sure if I agree to this. Quarrelsome passive-aggressive neighbours are everywhere. Not just non-condo dwellings. You should see how condominium councils convene. Great entertainment.

[Primrose Hill]

Carribean ground floors are nice. I have seen the place, quite pleasant really, alternative is penthouse. Not sure if ground floor Carribean will have moulds as the apartments are 7/8years old. I know that the older units in SG, particularly the circa 1980s suffers from mould and termites infestation.
How about something in West Coast Park areas?

[bgd]

I know that the older units in SG, particularly the circa 1980s suffers from mould and termites infestation.

I can testify to that. We have had mould and a recent termite infestation. They are gone now but did make a mess.

But on the plus side older usually means bigger and despite the insect life and temperamental plumbing, I like older places.

[Hannieroo]

Maybe not incredibly helpful but I know the Peak at Balmeg to be very big dog friendly. The whole condo adopted and looked after a Weimaraner that was dumped when the tenants moved out. No idea to your budget but it's close to west park and right next to haw par mrt.

[ShouldBeFun]

Thanks. I looked around the West Coast but I wanted to be a little more in the center as I know absolutely no one in Singapore.

Haven't heard anything from my agent all week even though I asked to look at other apartments. I think I read not to go chopping and changing your agent as they will just show you what you have already seen.

Still 6 weeks till I move...