In the bustling real estate market of Delhi-NCR, many investors seek to capitalise on rental properties. However, some face unexpected and protracted challenges. Such is the case with Malvinder Singh, a Delhi resident who endured a gruelling two-and-a-half-year battle to reclaim possession of his apartment in the Grand Omaxe Society, Sector 93B, Noida.
Singh, who had rented out his newly acquired flat years ago, faced significant delays and legal hurdles before finally regaining control of his property. After a long and tiring process, he received the keys to his apartment on Tuesday, August 27.
Malvinder Singh recounted that about 11 years ago, while his children were still in school, he purchased an apartment in Grand Omaxe Society in Noida, with the intention of enjoying a comfortable retirement. Due to the need to remain in Delhi for his children’s education, Singh rented out the apartment to Dr Manali Agarwal, a respected physician in Delhi, in March 2021. This rental arrangement was facilitated through a well-known contact within the society.
A three-year lease agreement was signed, which included a provision allowing either party to terminate the lease with a one-month notice. In January 2022, Singh served Dr Agarwal a notice to vacate the property. As the end of the notice period approached and Singh requested the keys, Dr Agarwal responded with accusations of harassment, claiming that Singh was bothering her.
Faced with the tenant’s refusal to vacate, Singh was forced to initiate legal action at the Surajpur ADM Court in Noida. After a protracted legal battle spanning approximately one and a half years, the court ruled on May 25, 2023, ordering Dr Manali Agarwal to vacate the apartment within 30 days. Despite the ruling, Dr Agarwal failed to comply even after seven months, and began withholding rent starting June 2023.
This lack of rental income, combined with the ongoing legal expenses and the need to cover rent in Delhi, plunged Singh into a significant financial crisis. With his children working elsewhere, he found himself shouldering the entire burden of managing the situation and dealing with the financial strain.
When Dr Manali Agarwal failed to vacate the apartment despite the court’s order, Malvinder Singh had to file another application with the court, highlighting her non-compliance. Singh questioned what he had done to provoke such behaviour and what her motivations might be. In response, the court issued a final order in June 2024, leading to Singh reclaiming his flat on August 27, 2024.
Upon regaining possession, Singh was devastated to find the apartment in deplorable condition. According to security guards, Dr Agarwal had vacated the premises in February 2024 but had left her lock on the gate. When Singh entered the flat, he was confronted with a scene of disarray and neglect – broken items, trash, and a total mess. Additionally, he discovered that Dr Agarwal had not paid the maintenance fees of Rs 43,000 and had also withheld rent for an extended period.
New18 team’s attempts to reach Dr Manali Agarwal for a comment via WhatsApp were met with no response.
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