Does anyone out there know of someone/agency/company we can go to with landlady problems? Our landlady is making us pay for everything that is breaking in the flat (things like showers and water heaters wich were old when we moved in and broke from age and not because we abused them), charging us more than was stipulated in the contract, and will keep our security deposit if we move now, wich is a lot of money for us. We even think she is making us pay for her electricity bill together with ours, because we only get a receit from her with the ammount that we have to pay, and its a HUGE bill every time.
The Chinese person who helped us get the flat and was here when we signed the contract has moved out of Taiwan, so we don’t know who to turn to. Our landlady doesn’t speak much English.
You can try giving Tsuei Ma Ma a call.
I don’t want to be mean, but most rental agreements in Taiwan have a stipulation that the tenant will pay for ALL items that break while they are renting. I guess the way the owner looks at it is “It was working when you moved in”. :loco: I have signed “General wear and tear” contracts, in fact, I think that the Tsuei Ma Ma Organization’s contract template includes this clause. So they do exist in Taiwan.
Your landlord should be giving you the original Utility Bills, unless your place is an illegal structure that does not have seperate meters. What are the bills running? How big is your place?
I think that the best bet would be to get a friend who speaks Mandarin to work with you and try to stop your landlady from taking advantage of you. Many local people are ashamed when they find out how other people are taking advantage of “guests” in Taiwan and they will be happy to help you.
Does your landlord let you claim your rental expenses on your taxes? If not, then he/she is probably not reporting your rental as income. This is illegal and you could always report the rent when you file taxes in May. This way you would get some more money back and your landlady would have to pay tax 
While they may not get involved themselves, the Community Services Center in Tienmu should surely be able to refer you:
Really? None of my rental agreements had that stipulation. Then again I’ve managed to have very nice landlords so far. It’s negotiable. One new place, one old place.
The thing with old places is the stench that might some times out of the pipes/toilet. I’ve tried a variety of solutions but to no avail. Is the plumber the next solution?
[quote=“YaPiPi”]
I think that the best bet would be to get a friend who speaks Mandarin to work with you and try to stop your landlady from taking advantage of you. Many local people are ashamed when they find out how other people are taking advantage of “guests” in Taiwan and they will be happy to help you. [/quote]
This is very good advice if you can find such a friend.
When I was living in Chia Yi way back in 2001, I lost water pressure, the sink in my kitchen broke and the toilet seat fell off(don’t ask). I asked the doorman to call in the landlord, my GF was my translator.
He hummed and hawwed about getting stuff fixed. So I stopped paying my rent. Quick as a bunny, my sink was fixed, a pump was installed and the toilet was repaired. Funny how things get done when you don’t pay the rent on time… :yay: :yay:
Not in my experience. If usually get the work done myself and deduct it from the rent if there is a reluctance on the part of the landlord. Only had to do that twice and the landlord was presented with a fait accompli and accepted it. Some l/ls are just too lazy to do anything.