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Uniquely Singapore Enbloc Fever

Just when I was talking about unethical agents and enbloc issues in Singapore, I got a text message from my agent yesterday, confirming that our flat in Le Chateau has been enbloc, and that all tenants will have to move out by the end of this month!

Less than 1 month notice, and not even a written notice! And she had the nerve to ask me to pay up the full rent for the month of July! In other countries that I have resided in before, including Malaysia and England, I have never experienced this kind of real estate moments. Whether it was a lapse of a contract, or in the event of my old landlord wanting to sell the place, I was always informed formally, given ample time for necessary planning with full refund of my deposit.

But the law here seems to be working in the owner's or the agent's favour. In most contracts you will only find rule after rule for the tenant to obey, and nothing for their benefit, for example: what would happen to them when the property is sold, or enbloc in this case?

Nothing is mentioned.

Now I have only 3 more months to serve in this God-forbidden country, but I have to move out of my room in less than a month's time. So I will have to look for another short term place to stay in for the remaining 2 months, which is extremely difficult, unless I am extremely rich with lots of disposable cash to spare.

If you are in the same boat, or if you are planning to come to Singapore to live or work, be prepared before you do so. Check out the forum on Tenant's Right, and Enblocing Singapore. They maybe useful to you. Me? It's too late. Damage's done. You may find me sleeping on the street next month.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
Don't pay and demand compensation, threaten legal action. Do as Singaporeans do COMPLAIN!
4 July 2007 at 18:13
Anonymous said…
I understand the plight you are in. But to be fair, one month's notice is typical for a standard rental contract in Singapore. So are the other terms you have mentioned. Unless the contract you have signed states otherwise, you'd only be wasting money and will most likely lose, if you choose to sue.

Apart from paying for expensive short term accomodation, you could check with your colleagues who may have a spare room to rent out. If not, they may have friends who do. Perhaps they could help.

It would be wise for prospective tenants to scrutinise and be comfortable with the terms of their proposed contracts before signing on the dotted line.
4 July 2007 at 22:57
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