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We would like to know how to file a complaint against our landlord, aka the agent. We rented a house for two years, and after one year, our family had to permanently move out of the country. Although the lease agreement did not include a clause about early termination, we informed them two months in advance and stayed for exactly two more months. The agent also informed us that they would look for a new tenant. During this period, we also helped by looking for a new tenant.
A few days later, the agent notified us that we could return the house on the date marking the end of the two months’ notice period. Because of this notification, we assumed they had already found a new tenant. Therefore, we cooperated with the agent and completed all tasks related to the handover of the house.
However, close to the handover date, the agent informed us that they had not yet secured a new tenant. Up until the day of the handover, they claimed they still hadn’t found a tenant. After we handed over the house and requested the return of our deposit, the agent admitted that they had indeed secured a new tenant.
Despite this, the agent responded by saying they couldn’t return our deposit because they had rented the house at a reduced price to the new tenant. We were left feeling that the agent had acted unfairly and unilaterally imposed their decisions on us We would like advice on what actions we should take in such a situation.
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3 Answers

The complain needs to be objective, are you complaining about the owner as an agent or as owner? To complain an agent, you can go to Council of Estate Agencies to lodge a formal complain. Read More
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  • SK
    Thank you so much for your answer. Where do we need to go to complain him as the landlord? The season is that if the complaint is filed against the agent, the agent could potentially claim to be the landlord themselves. Thanks in advance.
Hi, if it is a complain against a agent, you can approach the Council of Estate Agencies .

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It sounds like you’ve encountered an unfair and frustrating situation with your landlord and the agent. Here are some steps you can take:

### 1. **Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) - For Deposit Dispute**
- If you believe the agent has acted unfairly regarding your deposit, you can file a claim with the **Small Claims Tribunal (SCT)**, which is designed to handle disputes involving rental deposits and other issues related to tenancy.
- Ensure you have strong evidence to back up your claim. This includes written communications, the original lease agreement, and any proof that the agent secured a new tenant but did not return your deposit.
- The SCT process is straightforward and does not require a lawyer. If you have a valid case, the Tribunal can help you recover your deposit or seek compensation for the financial loss caused by the agent’s actions.

### 2. **File a Complaint Against the Agent - CEA (Council for Estate Agencies)**
- If you believe the agent's behavior was unprofessional or unethical, you can file a complaint with the **Council for Estate Agencies (CEA)**, the regulatory body overseeing real estate agents in Singapore.
- Complaints can be filed if the agent's actions caused you financial loss or distress due to misconduct, such as misleading you about the tenant situation or making unreasonable decisions that impacted your ability to get your deposit back.
- The CEA will investigate whether the agent violated any professional conduct guidelines or regulatory standards. If they find the agent at fault, they could face penalties or have their license suspended.

### 3. **Gather Evidence**
- Before proceeding, collect all relevant documents, including emails, texts, and any written agreements or communication with the agent. This will support your case, whether in a Small Claims Tribunal or when filing a complaint with the CEA.
- It’s also important to have evidence of the new tenant's rental agreement and any communications about the reduced rental price, as this will help clarify the dispute over your deposit.

### 4. **Consider Legal Advice**
- If you're unsure about the process or the severity of the case, consulting with a lawyer may help clarify your options. They can guide you on whether you have a strong legal case or whether alternative dispute resolution is a better route.

### Closing Quote:
*"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." — Martin Luther King Jr.*

By following these steps, you can work toward resolving the issue and protecting your rights as a tenant.
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  • SK
    Truly appreciate your kind advices that show us the ways to follow. May god bless you and your family

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