Stalemate, then a hug – how a tenant and landlord ended spat

Court volunteer who helped mediate dispute is among 27 recognised for efforts

- Zaihan Mohamed Yusof Senior Correspondent and Christine Tan

A tenant and his landlord engaged in a bitter argument when he was moving out after seven years, with the latter accusing him of failing to hand over the apartment in its original state.

The landlord refused to return the security deposit, as he needed the money for reinstatement work, while the tenant insisted on a full refund.

But at the end of a 2½-hour mediation session with court volunteer mediator Ng Lee Lee at the State Courts’ Small Claims Tribunal (SCT), the pair compromised and hugged each other.

Ms Ng, 61, was one of 27 court volunteers recognised and honoured at the Judiciary Volunteers Appreciation Lunch at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on Nov 26.

There were three award categories: the Outstanding Court Volunteer Award, the Legal Assistance Scheme for Capital Offences Long Service Award, and the Long Service Award for those who have served for 10 years and 15 years.