Early termination of registered rent agreement with in lock-in period of 11 months
I had rented an office in December 2018. It was a furnished office and the authorised property agent of the landlord on behalf of the landlord had agreed to improve the furnishings. However, once the agreement was signed, the landlord and his authorised agent denied to carry out the work. As a consequence I invested more than 1,00,000 for these works which included the renovation of the wash room.
Due to some unforeseen circumstances in my business, I am now not able to continue with this office. In the beginning of this month I expressed my intention to vacate the said premises to the authorised agent of the landlord and was told that if you pay the rent for July 2019, we will get the security refunded. I approached the land lord and gave him the cheque for the rent immediately, however the land lord did not deposit the cheque. When I asked for the security, he and his authorised agent refused. Since the rental cheque has not been presented for clearing in my bank, I put a stop payment on the cheque after 10 days. I have cleared all the pending electricity and maintenance bills. However, the landlord is now threatening me that he will Lodge a police complaint against me for stopping the cheque as it is a criminal offence. Additionally, I want to mention that the balance in my account has been maintained to honour the cheque and is not a case of insufficient balance. He has further confiscated the office assets which belong to me. Please advise what I should do now and what are my legal options.
Asked 5 years ago in Property Law
Religion: Christian
Dalip Ji, I have not bounced the cheque, I have put a stop payment and still the account has sufficient balance to honour the cheque. Also, as advised by you to leave the premises, I have already done that but they are not taking the keys back and also not releasing my furniture in the office. Please advise.
Asked 5 years ago