Singapore Condo - Lipat Bahay | Buhay Expat

ABBEY: We recently moved to a new place as our previous contract expired. It was a nice and peaceful 3-year stay as the unit is closed to anything I like; mall, grocery, park and airport. There are few things that were brought up upon moving out. Partly my mistake for not clearing things up. First is the professional cleaning. This is the first time we were asked to have the unit cleaned with receipts. Our previous landlords were satisfied with only us cleaning it. We even got a feedback that the unit is so clean as if nobody occupied it. Next is the dry cleaning of curtains. The agent told before the unit is handed over to us these two were things done. Third is the parquet sanding and varnishing. I get it but if it’s a normal wear and tear then no need for us to pay. I felt that I’m held “hostage” as I my security deposit is withheld until all the damages will be repaired.

I understand the point of the landlord but we also need the deposit in full for the new place.

Anyways since that happened before the holidays and I  want to finish the saga before my vacation, we caved in. Thanks to my understanding housemates.

Our new place is great; out of the hustle and bustle of busy neighborhood. But the catch is it is somehow remote. Grocer shops are there but of limited items. A mall is 10-15mins of travel which means my fastfood fix is thru delivery only. They provide free shuttle service to and from MRT station and also have the usual condominium amenities; bbq pit, gym, steam room, tennis court and pool.

We had a difficult time finding a new home that fits our budget and preferences but I can say I’m enjoying my stay. This is also the first time for us to have housemates from different part of the world.

WILL: One of the challenges of being an expat is looking for a house that you can call it a home. For 10 years of stay in Singapore, we changed house for about 6 times. The reasons? Well...

Compassvale: July 2009- end of contract 

Punggol Central: November 2009 - end of contract 

Ridgewood Condo: October 2012 - Cheating Main Tenants 

Compass Heights: April 2015 - Unit was sold 

Parc Centros: Dec 2016 - Landlord needed the unit 

Imagine, packing and unpacking, disinfecting the house and everyting. Oh my gosh! It is quite tiring specially when th last flat we rented deducted to our deposit the curtain’s dry cleaning and professional cleaning which is not indicated in the contract. Varnishing the parquets even they are admitted that is a fair wear and tear. It is indeed a hostage as we can’t do anything but to agree for us to avoid any arguments and headaches. Whew! First time our deposit got deducted. Unforgettable experience and learned a lot on that. 

Now here in Singapore, the new trend is co-living. It excites us. Means the agents is renting out per room and not by whole unit. The monthly rental fee includes everything.. water, electricity and aircon cleaning, oh agents also hires people to clean the whole flat weekly. Yes, even your room. It is a worry-free living in Serangoon. Oh! First time to live with different nationalities too. Our housemates now is a Japanese Chef and Brazilian IT. 

Please do take note of the lesson we’ve learned and be more inquisive on what are to dos when ending the contract. 

Happy Room/Flat Hunting!