Renting out your property in haste, without proper tenant screening, can sometimes lead to regrettable consequences.
In a recent incident involving a Punggol HDB unit, a landlord’s impulsive decision to rent to what turned out to be “wrong tenants” resulted in a discoloured kitchen countertop and various damages that have left the property in disrepair.
The Unveiling of Damages
Benedict Lim, a property agent familiar with the unit in question, recently shared a TikTok clip that showcased the extensive damages inflicted by the previous tenants.
Lim’s intention was not just to reveal the extent of the damage but also to serve as a cautionary tale for landlords who may be tempted to rush the rental process.
The story begins several years ago when the landlord initially entrusted the management of the flat to Lim.
However, driven by a sense of urgency to rent out the property, the landlord decided to seek the services of another agent who quickly found tenants. Unfortunately, this agent’s screening process was not as thorough as it should have been.
Lim’s video presentation starts with a disheartening sight—the once-white kitchen countertop had transformed into a dismal shade of yellow during the tenants’ occupancy.
The sink adjacent to the countertop mirrored this unsightly transformation. Adding to the distress, a nearby cabinet bore colorful smudges, evidence of children’s artwork that would not wash off.
The damage did not stop at the kitchen. The floor tiles exhibited visible cracks, a stark reminder of the careless use the unit had endured. Even the windows, obscured by a layer of filth, further exacerbated the unit’s deteriorating condition.
As Lim continued the tour, he revealed more unsettling discoveries. Additional cabinets showcased stains and marks from various mishaps. One of the room doors bore brown rectangular markings, marring its appearance. In one of the bathrooms, a discoloured mattress hinted at hygiene concerns, while a cabinet was missing an entire panel.
Arguably the most distressing revelation was the condition of a wardrobe in one of the rooms. One of its doors had completely fallen apart and lay on the floor, a testament to the rough treatment it had endured.
To compound matters, tape markings on the wardrobe’s glass panels suggested an attempt to conceal prior damage.
@benedictlimsg Would you go for a higher rent or a better profile tenant ? #sgtiktok #fypã‚· #singaporetiktok #sgpropertyagent #property #singapore #fypsg #hdb #hdbrental #sgrental ♬ original sound – Benedict Lim