I have received lots of messages on how to request for rent refund after a robbery attack on a property.
I want to get something straight; you intend to request a rent refund when you get robbed in your apartment???
Bro, sis, …things don’t work like that. It’s quite unfortunate that you were robbed in the apartment you live in, whether newly packed in or an old tenant, you cannot be refunded your rent just because armed robbers attacked the property.
Unless you have proof that the landlord sponsored the attack or is indirectly involved, you may not get a rent refund if you request it.
The rent you paid is to have possession which you already got, and if the landlord performs all his legal obligations towards the tenants, then you don’t have a case.
You signed The tenancy agreement for a certain period, most likely one year. What you could do if you have lost interest in the said apartment is not renew your next rent and move out of the property while the landlord looks for a new tenant for the apartment.
When robbery happens on a property, the incidents must be reported to two sets of people or groups;
The police, to commence an investigation into the attack immediately to apprehend the robbers.
The landlord, to enable him to give a supportive statement at the police station as well as fill up the loopholes that made the robbery successful such as:
a). Sacking the security man after a thorough investigation by the police
b). Elevate the fence wall or top the fence with concertina wires (electric wire).
c). Installs cameras on the premises to capture illegal footage
d). Collaborate with the neighbourhood watch to put a keen watch on the said property regularly.
e). Compensate the affected tenant(s) with a month-free rent (not statutory though).
If the landlord is willing to do any or all of the above, it’s an effort to show how displeased the landlord is with the incident. Hence the tenant is supposed to retract from asking for a refund of rent, after all, the tenant has been enjoying the benefits of the apartment before the incident occurred.
However, if the landlord becomes hesitant or nonchalant there are a number of things to still do, send me a WhatsApp message or write in the comment session if you need further assistance on this article.