Well, well, given the soft property market, and the fact that hardly anyone wanna rent the place, it's no surprise.

Personally when I was put in charged of one of my dad shop, I let them off with at least one month notice. He had rent for 18 months and a good payee, so why not.

I do pity your situation but let's face it. Many people buy property nowadays because someone will pay it for them (rent). Hence they will not let you go easily. They themselves also been lured and trapped too. It's also true that agent get the first month rental as deposit.