Room for Rent and other rental scams
by Frostbite Fri Nov 12, 2010 11:50 pm
Hi all!

This is my first time I am posting about rental scams of which I've been a victim (almost!) but thanks to this website, I ended up not paying any money and saving myself of being embarrassed in front of family and friends.

Here's my story, I moved in to Singapore very recently and was looking for an apartment to move in to, so I can save up on my hotel expenses. I signed up on this website http://www.share-accommodation.sg, to get offers about room rentals.

In about a days time I get my first offer from a person called Jennifer Larson, her email id being [[email protected]] and this her offer!

== My apartment is located at 6 Lewis Rd, Bukit timah Singapore 258591,its a 3 bedroom apartment but am only renting out 2 out of it...The ground-floor Terraced home unit is nestled at the end of Lewis Road, in a quiet and peaceful upscale neighborhood, right next to the world-famous Singapore Botanical Gardens, and kitty corner from the National University of Singapore campus. This 1600 sq ft residence was recently renovated, and given a fresh coat of paint, is furnished and has a huge garden.

Your airy & brightly-lit furnished bedroom is air-conditioned, has more than ample closet space and a new mattress. There is a ceiling fan and dimmable halogen lighting. And there is extra store room space in the back of the home if needed. You have a private bathroom.The Rent Per mont is $600SGD per month, per room and it includes shared utilities (electric/water/garbage), and wi-fi. Full use of kitchen and laundry facilities . You also have FULL use of the rest of the home.And the bond which is refundable at your moving out day(security Deposit) is $500SGD...

The bus-stop is just down the road (bus number: 48, 66, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 170X & 186) and a taxi ride to Orchard will only take you 5-10 minutes. Nearest MRT is Newton.......

Dr Jennifer Larson
==

The apartment pics I received are below.

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The offer was too good to resist, as the rent was to the minimal, compared to the standard of the rooms and the locality. So naturally, I was stupid enough to visit the place and to my surprise the lights and fans in the hall was on, but no one in sight. I could view the hall through the glass window and I was surprised because in her ad she mentioned she has the keys and there's no one in the house to show me from the inside!!!! Anyways, I knocked on the main door hoping to see someone but no luck!! which was still ok with me. Post my visit I've exchanged emails with her confirming my reservation for the flat, then at one point I receive an email from another person who claimed to be her family lawyer.

Name -- William Thomas.
Email id -- [email protected]
This is the lease agreement I received from him on behalf of Jennifer larson.

[[ Least Agreement ]]


[i]{Page 1}


ASSURED SHOTHOLD TENANCY AGREEMENT AND CONTRACT (PART 1)

(Where tenancy is for a term of three years or less)
This agreement is in two parts:
Part 1- Sets out the terms of the agreement.
Part 2- Contains the full terms of living in the residential premises.

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THIS AGREEMENT.

1. The tenant is entitled to have time to read this agreement (and the completed condition referred to in this agreement) and
2. The landlord is required to give the tenant a copy of this agreement for the tenant to keep.


TERMS OF AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made on 10/11/2010.

BETWEEN LANDLORD:
(Name/s) JENNIFER LARSON
(Address) 6 LEWIS ROAD , SINGAPORE 258591

AND TENANT:
(Name/s) XXXXXXX

(Address) XXXXXX

(Age) 29


PREMISES:

The landlord gives the tenant the right to occupy a room in her premises at:

6 LEWIS ROAD, SINGAPORE 258591
The premises are furnished including the room of the tenant which is fully furnished with an ensuite bathroom and air condition.


RENT:
The rent is $600 SGD payable every month starting on 13/11/2010.
The tenant must pay in advance the first month rent and bond before moving in.

The rent must be paid:
(a) To the landlord
(b) At any other reasonable place the landlord names in writing or may specify:

TERM:
The term of this agreement begins on 13/11/2010 with possibility of extending the contract.

CONTINUATION:
At the end of the term the tenant can stay in the residential premises at the same rent (or at an increased rent if the rent is increased in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987) but otherwise under the same terms unless or until the agreement is ended in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.

RENTAL BOND:
A rental bond of $500SGD must be paid by the tenant to the landlord on signing of this agreement.
IN WITNESS WHERE OF JENNIFER LARSON and XXXXXX duly affixed their signatures on this 10th November, 2010.


( This is where he signed ) 
Lawyer: WILLIAM THOMAS (Sign here)
Tenant(s). XXXXXXXXX

The Tenant acknowledges receiving a duplicate copy of this Agreement signed by the Tenant and the Landlord on the 10th November, 2010.

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ASSURED SHORT HOLD TENACY AGREEMENT AND CONTRACT (PART 2)

IN CONSIDERATION OF the Landlord letting certain premises to the Tenant, the Tenant letting those premises from the Landlord and the mutual benefits and obligations provided in this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement agree as follows:
BACKGROUND:
A. This is an agreement to create an Assured Shorthold Tenancy as defined in Section 19A of the Housing Act 1988 or any successor legislation (the "Act").
B. The Landlord is the owner of residential property available for rent and is legally entitled to grant this tenancy.
Let Property
The Landlord agrees to let to the Tenant the flat municipally described 6 LEWIS ROAD , SINGAPORE 258591 (the 'Property') for use as residential premises only. The Property is more particularly described as follows: The flat also has a rear garden. Neither the Property nor any part of the Property will be used at any time during the term of this Agreement by Tenant for the purpose of carrying on any business, profession, or trade of any kind, or for the purpose other than as a private single-family residence.
1. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, apart from the Tenant, no other persons will live in the Property without the prior written permission of the Landlord.
2. No guests of the Tenants may occupy the Property for longer than one week without the prior written consent of the Landlord.
3. No pets or animals are allowed to be kept in or about the Property without the prior written permission of the Landlord. Upon thirty (30) days notice, the Landlord may revoke any consent previously given pursuant to this clause.
4. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Tenant is entitled to the use of parking (the 'Parking') on or about the Property. Only properly insured motor vehicles may be parked in the Tenant's space.
5. The Landlord has supplied and the Tenant agrees to use and maintain in reasonable condition, normal wear and tear accepted.

Term
6. The term of the Agreement is a periodic tenancy commencing the very day you move in .and continuing on a month-to-month basis until the Landlord or the Tenant terminates the tenancy.
7. Any notice to terminate this tenancy must comply with the Act.
8. Not withstanding that the term of this Agreement commences on the Tenant is in possession of the Property..

Rent
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the rent for the Property is SGD$600/month (the 'Rent which includes all utilities') and deposit payment of SGD$ 500 (which is refundable). The Tenant will pay the Rent on or before the due date of every month of the term of this Agreement to the Landlord 6 LEWIS ROAD, SINGAPORE 258591 at such other place as the Landlord may later designate.
1. The Landlord may increase the Rent for the Property upon providing to the Tenant the greater of 21 days notice and any notice required by the Act.
2. The Tenant will be charged an NO amount per day for any Rent that is received after the latter of the due date and the expiration of any grace period under the Act, if any.

Security Deposit
3. On execution of this Agreement, the Tenant will pay the Landlord a security deposit of SGD$500 (the 'Security Deposit') per room in other to confirm reservation and which later is refunded after the expiration of the lease.
4. No interest will be received on the deposit.
5. The Landlord will return the Security Deposit at the end of this tenancy; less such deductions as provided in this Agreement but no deduction will be made for damage due to reasonable wear and tear or for any deduction prohibited by the Act.
6. During the Term of this Agreement or after its termination, the Landlord may charge the Tenant or make deductions from the Security Deposit for any or all of the following:
1. Repair of walls due to plugs, large nails or any unreasonable number of holes in the walls including the repainting of such damaged walls;
2. Repainting required to repair the results of any other improper use or excessive damage by the Tenant;
3. Unplugging toilets, sinks and drains;
4. Replacing damaged or missing doors, windows, screens, mirrors or light fixtures;
5. Repairing cuts, burns, or water damage to linoleum, rugs, and other areas;
6. Any other repairs or cleaning due to any damage beyond normal wear and tear caused or permitted by the Tenant or by any person whom the Tenant is responsible for;
7. The cost of extermination where the Tenant or the Tenant's guests have brought or allowed insects into the Property or building;
8. Repairs and replacement required where windows are left open which have caused plumbing to freeze, or rain or water damage to floors or walls; and
9. Any other purpose allowed under this Agreement or the Act.

For the purpose of this clause, the Landlord may charge the Tenant for professional cleaning and repairs if the Tenant has not made alternate arrangements with the Landlord.
7. The Tenant may not use the Security Deposit as payment for the Rent.
8. Within the lesser of I day and any time period required by the Act after the termination of this tenancy, the Landlord will deliver or mail the Security Deposit less any proper deductions or with further demand for payment, or at such other place as the Tenant may advise.

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Quiet Enjoyment
9. The Landlord covenants that on paying the Rent and performing the covenants contained in this Agreement, the Tenant will peacefully and quietly have, hold, and enjoy the Property for the agreed term.

Inspections
10. The Landlord and the Tenant will complete, sign and date an inspection report at the beginning and at the end of this tenancy.

Tenant Improvements
11. The Tenant will obtain written permission from the Landlord before doing any of the following:
1. Applying adhesive materials, or inserting nails or hooks in walls or ceilings other than two small picture hooks per wall;
2. Painting, wallpapering, redecorating or in any way significantly altering the appearance of the Property;
3. Removing or adding walls, or performing any structural alterations;
4. Installing a waterbed(s);
5. Changing the amount of heat or power normally used on the Property as well as installing additional electrical wiring or heating units;
6. Placing or exposing or allowing to be placed or exposed anywhere inside or outside the Property any placard, notice or sign for advertising or any other purpose; or
7. Affixing to or erecting upon or near the Property any radio or TV antenna or tower.
Insurance
12. The Tenant is hereby advised and understands that the Landlord for either damage or loss does not insure the personal property of the Tenant, and the Landlord assumes no liability for any such loss. The Tenant is advised that, if the Tenant desires insurance coverage, the Tenant should inquire of Tenant's insurance agent regarding a renter's policy of insurance.
13. The Tenant is not responsible for insuring the Landlord's contents and furnishings in or about the Property for either damage or loss, and the Tenant assumes no liability for any such loss.
14. The Tenant is not responsible for insuring the Property for either damage or loss to the structure, mechanical or improvements to the building of the Property, and the Tenant assumes no liability for any such loss.

Absences
15. The Tenant will inform the Landlord if the Tenant is to be absent from the Property for any reason for a period of more than fourteen days. The Tenant agrees to take such measures to secure the Property prior to such absence as the Landlord may reasonably require and take appropriate measures to prevent frost or flood damage.

Legal Fees
16. In the event that any action is filed in relation to this Agreement, the unsuccessful party in the action will pay to the successful party, in addition to all the sums that either party may be called on to pay, a reasonable sum for the successful party's attorney fees.

Governing Law
17. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of Singapore and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Singaporean Courts.

Severability
18. If there is a conflict between any provision of this Agreement and the Act, the Act will prevail and such provisions of the Agreement will be amended or deleted as necessary in order to comply with the Act. Further, any provisions that are required by the Act are incorporated into this Agreement.

Assignment and Subletting
19. The Tenant will not assign this Agreement, or sublet or grant any concession or licence to use the Property or any part of the Property. An assignment, subletting, concession, or licence, whether by operation of law or otherwise, will be void and will, at Landlord's option, terminate this Agreement.

Care and Use of Property
20. The Tenant will promptly notify the Landlord of any damage, or of any situation that may significantly interfere with the normal use of the Property or to any furnishings supplied by the Landlord.
21. Vehicles, which the Landlord reasonably considers unsightly, noisy, dangerous, improperly insured, inoperable or unlicensed, are not permitted in the Tenant's parking stall(s), and such vehicles may be towed away at the Tenant's expense. Parking facilities are provided at the Tenant's own risk. The Tenant is required to park in only the space allotted to them.
22. The Tenant will not make (or allow to be made) any noise or nuisance, which, in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord, disturbs the comfort or convenience of other tenants.
23. The Tenant will not park (or allow to be parked) any caravan, boat or vehicle by the Property, if such parking, in the reasonable opinion of the Landlord, would cause nuisance or annoyance to neighbors or to anyone nearby.
24. The Tenant will keep the Property in good repair and condition and in good decorative order.
25. The Tenant or any one living with the Tenant will not engage in any illegal trade or activity on or about the Property including, but not limited to, using the Property for drug storage, drug dealing, prostitution, illegal gambling or illegal drinking.
26. The Landlord and Tenant will comply with standards of health, sanitation, fire, housing and safety as required by law.
27. The hallways, passages and stairs of the building in which the Property is situated will be used for no purpose other than going to and from the Property and the Tenant will not in any way encumber those areas with boxes, furniture or other material or place or leave rubbish in those areas and other areas used in common with any other tenant.
28. Boots and rubbers which are soiled or wet should be removed at the entrance to the building in which the Property is located and taken into the Tenant's Property.
29. At the expiration of the agreement term, the Tenant will quit and surrender the Property in as good a state and condition as they were at the commencement of this Agreement, reasonable use and wear and damages by the elements excepted.

Repairs
30. The Landlord agrees to carry out any repairing obligations as required by section 11 of the Act including keeping in repair and proper working order:
1. the structure and exterior of the Property; and
2. The installations for the supply of water, gas and electricity and the installations in the Property for space heating or heating water.

Gas Safety
31. The Landlord will ensure that all gas appliances; flues and installation in the Property are checked by a professional on an annual basis.

Hazardous Materials
32. The Tenant will not keep or have on the Property any article or thing of a dangerous, flammable, or explosive character that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire on the Property or that might be considered hazardous by any responsible insurance company.

Rules and Regulations
33. The Tenant will obey all rules and regulations posted by the Landlord regarding the use and care of the building, parking lot, laundry room and other common facilities that are provided for the use of the Tenant in and around the building containing the Property.

General Provisions
34. Any waiver by the Landlord of any failure by the Tenant to perform or observe the provisions of this Agreement will not operate as a waiver of the Landlord's rights under this Agreement in respect of any subsequent defaults, breaches or non-performance and will not defeat or affect in any way the Landlord's rights in respect of any subsequent default or breach.
35. This Agreement will extend to and be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, as the case may be, of each party to this Agreement. All covenants are to be construed as conditions of this Agreement.
36. All sums payable by the Tenant to the Landlord pursuant to any provision of this Agreement will be deemed to be additional rent and will be recovered by the Landlord as rental arrears.
37. Where there is more than one Tenant executing this Agreement, all Tenants are jointly and severally liable for each other's acts, omissions and liabilities pursuant to this Agreement.
38. The Tenant will professionally steam clean the carpets on a yearly basis and at the termination of this Agreement or the Landlord may charge the Tenant or deduct the cost of having the carpets professionally steam cleaned from the security deposit.


At this point I informed her that I am in the process of getting the lease agreement double checked with my lawyer to make sure that everything is in place and mentioned very clearly in the agreement. Then when I heard back from my lawyer, he told me to add or make changes in the lease agreement and also conveyed to me that since I am physically not able to view the apartment from the inside and not being able to talk or meet the owner in person, this could be a scam!!!! It then struck me that why not do a google search and thank god! I bumped in to scamwarners.com and came to know about this person and that her offer is a scam. During the time of our contact, she never gave me her number which I had requested in one of my mails so I could talk to her and clear any doubts I might have about renting the apartment. She never did, therefore it was only by email that we have agreed upon me being her tenant. After gathering all the information about this scam, I emailed back to her demanding a copy of the ownership agreement of the house together with a ID proof for example back and front copies of her passport for identification purposes and I have not heard from her ever since!! :lol:

The link where someone else has posted about Jennifer larson on scam warners, is here
http://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=11494&p=38784&hilit=wisermindjenny%40yahoo.com#p38784

So anyone and everyone who is reading this please be careful out there, its a wicked world and such people may adapt to any kind of method to rip you off your hard earned money!!! Watch out and support scamwarners and related websites\volunteers\people who are doing good for the people and help them to suppress such scum bags of the universe prowling out there in the open world.

I received 2 other scam offers, which I'll be sharing soon.

Cheers!! and Good luck

Frostbite 8)

If you are not living on the edge, move aside and let me pass!!!
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