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Instead of chasing after the balance payment, I think it could be better to start to look out for the replacement tenant if the landlord allows. The process of claiming back can be drastically long and tiring. As this is a private agreement, police will not handle but if you wish to put it on record, you can try lodging a report. Depending on amount involved, a small claim can be filed but whether does it work or not will definitely not be certain. Read More

You can still pursue the unpaid rent, but you’ll need to approach it carefully:
1. Document Everything – Keep records of the rental agreement (even if informal), messages, emails, or any evidence showing she agreed to pay rent and the amount she owes.
2. Demand Letter – Start by sending a formal written demand via email or registered mail, stating the amount owed and giving a deadline for payment. This shows you tried to resolve it amicably.
3. Small Claims Tribunal – In Singapore, unpaid rent disputes between individuals can be filed at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT). You can claim up to S$20,000 per defendant (or S$30,000 if both parties agree). You’ll need:
• Proof of the agreement
• Proof of payment history
• Evidence she stayed there
4. Police Report? – This generally applies if there’s fraud or criminal intent. Non-payment of rent usually falls under civil law, so the SCT route is more appropriate. Only file a police report if you suspect deliberate deceit or fraud.
5. Serving Notice – If she’s overseas, SCT can still serve notice via registered mail or email, but enforcement of payment may be harder. You may need to seek legal advice on overseas debt recovery if she refuses to pay. Read More

You may want to first take a step back and discuss your options with the agent supporting your case instead of trying to take any legal action.

Ideally, you had a tenant agent that represented you so that you are not in this situation against the landlord as well as the landlord's agent.

One thing to check is whether you co-signed the tenancy agreement with the housemate for the entire flat, or whether it was split room by room? If you signed the agreement for the entire flat jointly without any mention or written proof that the rent was to be split, you may still be liable for the entirety of the rent even if your housemate jets off. If that's the case the best way forward might be to quickly find a replacement housemate that your landlord agrees to add.

Kay Cloud
The Harvard Educated Agent
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
cloud@propnex.com
Tel: (+6.5.) 8.5.6.7.4.5.8.5
Whatsapp -> https://wa.me/6585674585 Read More

✔1 Rather than spending energy chasing the outstanding rent, it may be more practical to **start sourcing a replacement tenant**, provided the landlord gives approval.

✔2 Recovering the balance can be **time-consuming and exhausting**, especially since this is a **private rental arrangement** not typically handled by the police.

✔3 If you wish to **record the incident**, you may lodge a police report, though it usually serves as documentation rather than a resolution path.

✔4 Depending on the **amount owed**, you could consider filing a **Small Claims Tribunal (SCT)** case, but outcomes can be uncertain and may require patience.

✔5 If you decide to pursue the unpaid rent, follow these **careful and structured steps**:

  • **Document all evidence** – keep the tenancy agreement, chats, emails, and proof of rental terms and arrears.
  • **Send a demand letter** – issue a formal written notice via email or registered mail, stating the owed amount and a clear payment deadline.
  • **Submit to the SCT** – you can claim up to **S$20,000 (or S$30,000 by mutual consent)**, supported by evidence of tenancy, payments, and occupation.
  • **Police report only if necessary** – file one only if there’s reason to believe there was **fraud or deception**.
  • **If tenant is overseas**, SCT can still notify them, but **enforcement may be challenging**, and legal advice on **cross-border recovery** could be needed.

✔6 Acting swiftly and keeping your documentation organised increases your chances of resolving matters fairly and efficiently.

“As Sun Tzu wrote in *The Art of War*, the greatest victory is that which requires no battle.”
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856-9255  or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255

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