Respected Lawyers,
I had to move out of my place and take a house for rent in the month of Jan 2012 to facilitate my son's admission in a good school in-and-around Kilpauk, Chennai.
The owner of the house demanded for a rent of Rs. 19,000/- (inclu Rs. 500/- for maintenance). This is a 1 Bedroom and 1 Study room house (in the first floor with no car park). The day I occupied the house I noticed that the water was horribly bad filled with worms, insects and you name any dirty particle (it was there)! When questioned we were told that the corporation water will be like that only. As we were not living in the city for more than 23 years we also believed that it will be like that. Since it was only myself and my dad who were staying in the house we didn't attach any importance to it. My wife and son were staying in my in-laws place for his school till April 30th 2012.
In a matter of 10 days after occupying the house on Jan 22nd, a few people informed me that I would be the greatest fool in this world as the house in which I am staying is not even worth Rs. 10,000/- rent. I started sufferring stomach pain and urinary infection problems within two months but didn't give much of an importance as my son's admission was more important to me at that point of time.
Unfortunately my son didn't get a seat in any of the schools that we were trying to put him and ultimately I had to put him in a school which is a bit far from my house.
To make the matter worse one fine day by end of May 2012 the owner stopped the water supply and when questioned he informed that there were too many people in the house(my mother-in-law and my Wife's sister son and daughter were with us for the summer vacation (just for 3 days)! This was very insulting and I was not able to tolerate the same. My in-law left the house on the same day telling that she will never come to this house again.
I informed my owner (the Tenancy contract is in his woife's name) on May 29th that I am vacating the house to faciliate my son's quick commutation to the school. His immediate reaction was a bit rude and told me that there should have been a 3 months notice (which is not mentioned anywhere in the tenancy contract)! The TC says that there should be a 30 days intimation thru registered post in case of termination of this agreement. Post my oral intimation, I sent a courier to him intimating the vacation of premises by June 30th 2012.
Now the owner says that he cannot repay my advance amount until he gets a suitable tenant. Also I am a bit upset with the way he has been treating us and would like to file a case under Rent Control Act against him. Will the Rent Control Act be favourable to me. I have paid my rent on the 27th of every month (3 to 4 days in advance) thru net transfer. I would request for your expert advise in this regard.
Thanking you.
Prathap.
