The biggest fear of buying a home is to meet an unscrupulous developer! What should you do if you get the keys to your new home and find out that the structure of the house is different from the contract?
First of all, you can complain to the developer and ask them to take care of it. If the developer is not willing to deal with it, you can use the Housing Tribunal to do justice for you.
The Housing Tribunal deals with all kinds of housing disputes between the buyer and the developer. Unless the claim is for a large sum of money and involves complex legal issues, the buyer can go directly to the Tribunal.
The Tribunal can deal with matters such as claims for money, refund of sums paid, compliance with the terms of the sale and purchase agreement, compensation for loss and injury suffered, cancellation or variation of all or part of the agreement, costs to be borne by a party, and money damages not exceeding 8% interest per annum.
It must be noted, however, that the maximum claim for each complaint is RM50,000, and that the party must file the complaint within one year of receiving the occupation permit.
The final decision of the Housing Tribunal is an Award, which is equivalent to a Court Order. The tribunal can make an award without hearing a hearing.
Any person who fails to comply with the decision of the Housing Tribunal will be fined not more than RM5,000 or imprisoned not more than 2 years or both.
(Partial source: Lawyers Speak Out)
