Rental contract questions! May need lawyer.
Has anyone had any experience with bad landlords in Huafa Newtown? Probably a silly question.
I got stuck with a really pissy landlord. She was nice when I signed the contract but now refuses to repair or replace malfunctioning equipment as per the contract. I get the feeling she's the type that likes to try to push people around.
This poses two questions:
1. Under a standard contract I paid first and last months rent plus one month's deposit. If I leave, do I have to forfeit both the last month's rent and the deposit?
2. Can anyone recommend a fair and competent lawyer to help me out of this mess? A english speaking one is preferred.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Sorry to hear you are in this mess. Did you sign the contract through the agency or directly with a landlord?
We had this problem ones and we actually called the police (110) and complained. They dispatched 2 officers to come and take a look and told us we have to go to some municipal bureau and complain there. But I honestly have no idea what it is as we never took it to that level - the agency was informed about the police coming and they became all nice etc.
One more question: are you registered at the local police station? If not, it means your landlord hasn't reported a foreigner living in the apartment. We also faced this once when rented through the agency and went to register - the police (depending on their mood) can fine her. Etc.
I would also go to the Huafa management office and ask for their assistance - perhaps at least complaining would do something? Tell them you are looking for a lawyer to deal with the contract.
@ richietee
cheekygal gives good advice. I especially like the part about going to the PSB (but only if you are registered first) and turning her in. I'd love to know what happens in that case.
I would have to say though, that if she is unwilling to fix anything you are unlikely to ever see any of your deposit back either. When push comes to shove you could always play hardball and refuse to pay your rent. You have nothing to lose since you won't get your deposit back anyway.
I used an English speaking lawyer once to help me when I was due some money back from the developer of our complex. If you are in a pinch I can give you his name, but as it turns out we only got back half of what we should have. There is, to a degree, the issue of you being a foreigner and your lawyer being local. Who's side is he really on? Or how hard is he really going to push for your rights. In your case it might be different because you are fighting against an individual, where in my case we were going against a large development company.
Another option is to pay for the required repair work, making sure that you get a receipt, and then deducting that amount from your next month's rent. I have done this more than once in Horizon Cove without any problems.