Hi,

Maybe it is a typical issue. For a newbie tenant, leaving property after 4 years, if owner disappears for 5 months (effectively refused) to return security deposit 3.5 x of rental (14k), and when inquired the agent who provided the condo, says damage more than deposit. Which is wrong statement, according to tenant. With standard agreement in place, what options the tenant has to get back the money ? Can/Should take this to the court/litigation ? How much will be lawyers/fees cost, worth compared to the security deposit ? Never delayed rental payment, always repaired/replaced broken stuff, including ceiling fans, to be paid by owner, but never paid..

if don't want lawyer can use small claim court, but can only claim up to 5k.

Thanks. Any idea, how much minimum lawyer would cost ?

then what damage is the agent referring to?

Photos and itemized list of things with cost of repair. Looks like estimate from vendor.. eg bulb fixing RM230 per 2 hours and RM100 per additional hour for fixing 2 bulbs.. and such list of around 5-10 items. TV broken, which is tenant's, listed as cost. Ceiling fan broken (which is right, but already informed owner planning to replace, but owner delayed). Some wooden tiles coming out in bed rooms (already informed owner to repair, but delayed by owner).

So, it looks quarrel, complicated.. ?

Take it to court with a smallish lawyer (charge less fees)

wah looks like kena framed.. lol..
tv, go show proof of purchase lo..
other faulty items where owner delay, was it faulty when tenant move in or tenant spoil it?

It wasn't faulty at move-in 4 years back, Is it required to replace all faulty bulbs before leaving ? Some faulty bulbs were left to be replaced, because they were extra.

Sue that owner who take advantage against you. Do not let them go off scot free. You are not the first and the last.

Thanks for your advise.. I guess, people don't deserve politeness.. they take it as some weakness.. Never delayed payment in 4 years, never complain about faulty things or replace out of pocket items without follow-up for money...

but not too familiar with lawyers.. not sure where/how to start..

well, as per contract - you need to return the property as per what you've provided on day-1 as per contract.
but of course, this applies to those deliberately damaged.. those wear and tear should be covered by owner.

Thanks for informing.. Makes sense!

lawyer fee may cost as much as what you're claiming for.