Q: Does building management or a landlord have the right to stop a tenant from moving their belongings out of a property if the lease has expired but they have not settled their outstanding charges (such as cooling charges) and if the deposit is insufficient? What action can be taken?
A: The owner of a unit doesn’t have the right to evict a tenant either before or after the lease contract expires without an official ruling from the rent committee. A landlord may also not prevent a tenant from moving their belongings out. The landlord may, however, take the issue up with the rental disputes committee to ask for the unsettled dues, provided they produce evidence to support their claim. If the tenant did not settle the outstanding bills, the landlord does not have the right to disconnect water or electricity, or any other such service. If the landlord were to do so, the tenant could report the case to police and use the ensuing report before the disputes committee. Instead of disconnecting services, a landlord is advised to submit the case to the disputes committee.
Q: Are tenants allowed to play loud music before 8am and does a neighbour have a legal right to complain if they do?
A: A tenant is entitled to enjoy their home any way they choose to, provided they don’t encroach on the freedom of other residents in the building. There is not a specified time for listening to music but, if music were to be played loud at what is considered a time for rest, neighbours may report the incident to police. The authorities would warn the person in question. And if they continue to play loud music, the police could make them sign a pledge not to do so again. Should the problem persist, neighbours may file an official report with police.
Q: In a road rage incident, when it is a person’s word against another, how do the authorities decide whether it is worth pursuing? And does the incident even deserve to become a court case? Can a reckless driver be reported to the police when there is no evidence?
A: Road users are obliged to respect one another. The law protects the rights of individuals against even the simplest breach. So if a person has been verbally or physically abused, they should lodge a complaint with the authorities. The plaintiff should produce evidence in the event that they are called to be a witness in court.
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