Hong Kong Orientation Guide

While rarely required under the terms of the Tenancy Agreement (with the exception of the

diplomatic break clause), in the event of a premature lease termination, you might consider

stating the reasonwhy early notice isbeingservedand youwant toexercise yourbreakclause.

Oftenanysympathy thatmight be generated even in this initial conversationmayprove helpful

when trying to negotiate any potential reinstatement decoration work, which might be required by

the landlord.

Findinga replacementtenantprepared topay thesameormarketpriceand takeoveryourunit

isoftenapossibility,butall of this issubject tomutual agreement byall theparties.Consult your

Destination Consultant for suggestions on how to best go about this.

Termination of your Agreement

Upon termination of your lease agreement clearly outline when you are expecting to deliver

“vacantpossession”ofthepremisestothe landlord,i.e.when youwillbephysicallyvacatingthe

property and passing the keys

also suggest you have a pre-marching out inspection to

establishanypossiblereinstatementcostswhich the landlordmayfeeltobe

going down this route, you might be able to negotiate with more leverage and possibly choose

to have the mutually agreed work completed less expensively by your own handyman. If your

property is under Corporate Property Management with Brookfield Relocation your dedicated

Tenancy Management executive will contact you to walk you through this process.

Please note thata“pre-marchingout”inspection is typically required by the landlordbefore the

official handing back of the premises. It usually requires about 30minutes towalk-through the

premises with the Landlord to identify if there is any reinstatement work he is expecting to be to

your account -(thatis over andabovewhat isexcepted under your“fair wear and tear”provision

typically provided for in your lease agreement).

Wewould like topointoutanumber of typical defects found in thepre-marchingout inspection

and hand-back often required by landlords and will need to be individually negotiated:

Remove pictures, hooks, nails and touch up the affected areas.

Remove additionally installed curtain and curtain rails, and make good the holes with plaster

similarpaint.

Dismantle any additionally installed fixtures and fittings and reinstate the ceiling light fixtures

with light bulbs.

Dismantle all visible wiring and telephone sockets installed by the tenant.

Carry out a general cleaning to the property before you leave.

Clear any remaining food in the fridge and dispose of any garbage in the property, like carton boxes.

A written acknowledgement by the landlord that the property has been returned in an

acceptable condition avoids disputes over defects, which may subsequently be found later.