Renting a newly purchased terrace house can sometimes turn into a nightmare for property owners, especially when tenants fail to meet their obligations. This was highlighted by an individual who shared his troubling experience on social media after renting out his newly constructed home.
The house in question had never been lived in before the tenant moved in. Unfortunately, within just over a year, the tenant stopped paying rent for the last three months. This led the owner to issue a notice to terminate the rental agreement.
The tenant initially made many promises about how they would take care of the property but failed to follow through. Additionally, the owner was shocked to find that the utility bills for electricity and water had accumulated to nearly RM3,000.
The tenant's impact on the property extended beyond unpaid bills; the house was left in poor condition, with permanent damage to the walls and unprofessional plastering on the front door. The walls, initially painted white, were repainted yellow, contrary to the terms of the lease that required the property to be restored to its original state upon vacating.
Furthermore, the tenant's disregard for the property's condition was evident in the poorly executed repairs and paint spills on the floor tiles, electrical outlets, and door frames. The kitchen was also significantly altered, with essential fixtures removed. The bathroom was similarly affected, suggesting a lack of respect for the property's condition.
The owner was fortunate to have had a contract in place, which facilitated the process of evicting the tenant and securing payment for the accumulated damages and unpaid rent. However, as the tenant still owes a small balance of over RM500, the situation remains unresolved.
The post sparked widespread criticism online, with many commenters pointing out the importance of responsible behaviour and respect for the property in rental agreements. Some highlighted the necessity of obtaining landlord approval for significant changes to the property, such as drilling into walls or installing air conditioning units. Others shared their own experiences of renting, emphasizing the value of clear communication and honesty with landlords.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough rental agreements and responsible tenant behaviour to protect property owners from unexpected costs and property damage.