Real Estate Matters

Juliet Risdon is a Director of JML Property and a property investor. 
Having established the company in 1994, JML Property offers Investment Property & Homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants.

Top 20 Questions On Renting A Property In Macau - Part 3
Renting an apartment can be a confusing experience

Renting an apartment can be a confusing experience.
It looks like a year when less people will buy property, and more people will rent. Here are the top 20 questions we are asked by tenants; this week numbers 10-6

10. What can a landlord do if a tenant has not repaired damages?
When a tenant has not repaired damages, the landlord is entitled to take legal action and withhold the return of the security deposit until the outcome of that action.
Usually, when a tenant ‘checks out’ of a property, the inventory is reviewed and any discrepancy noted along with damaged items.

9. Must a landlord provide a receipt for a security deposit?
The law does not require an owner to provide a receipt for the security deposit.
It is a good idea to record the security deposit on the tenancy agreement or a separate piece of paper that can be signed and witnessed to avoid any disputes in the future.

8. Can a tenant withhold rent because a landlord is not maintaining the premises?
Unless there is a problem with the premises that makes it uninhabitable, such as a flood, unstable walls or floors, or open electrical wires, the tenant may not withhold rent.
Rents that are more than 8 days overdue are subject to a penalty of 50% under Macau Law, and if they remain unpaid for more than 30 days they are subject to a 100% penalty.
In order to maintain a good relationship with the owner and landlord, we suggest that tenants first inform the landlord that there is a problem that requires fixing.

7. Does the Landlord have the cash to fund improvements?
This is a question best asked upfront, before the lease is signed.
Once the answer is established, either in a positive or a negative way, you then have the information you require to make a decision on renting or not.
The landlord is not duty bound to improve a property, just to ensure that the property remains safe

6. Can a termination notice be verbal?
Yes.
A termination notice can be verbal provided both parties agree on the terms.
However, it is thoroughly recommended that tenants provide a written termination notice that clearly defines the dates concerned, and refers to the terms in the tenancy agreement.
This will help to avoid disputes, and a potential situation where a landlord can claim that they have not received any notice of termination.

For further information please call me or visit our website Www.JMLProperty.com, or visit us on Www.Facebook.Com/JMLRealEstate we are always happy to give you our opinion and expertise whenever we can help.  
Any comments or feedback on this column are welcome, and if you have a property related question please e mail it us at: info@JMLProperty.com and we will respond to you in this column or by return E mail.