Abdul Rahim v British and Malaya Trustees Ltd

• Jurisdiction: Singapore
• Judgment Date: 30 September 1966
• Date: 30 September 1966
• Docket Number: Civil Appeal No Y9 of 1966
• Court: Federal Court (Singapore)

Abdul Rahim

Plaintiff

and

British & Malayan Trustees Ltd

Defendant

[1966] SGFC 8

Wee Chong Jin CJ

,

Tan Ah Tah FJ

and

F A Chua J

Civil Appeal No Y9 of 1966

Federal Court

Land–Licences–Termination–Damages–Landlord and Tenant–Creation of tenancy–Contract–Contract described as tenancy agreement–Whether tenancy or licence created

The former trustees of the settlement entered into an agreement with the appellant and another person, both described collectively as “the tenant”, purporting to grant them a monthly tenancy at a rent of $40 per month of premises. Under the agreement either party might determine the tenancy with one month's notice in writing.

The trial judge concluded that the agreement created merely a licence, and the tenant's right to use the premises had determined. No damages were however awarded.

On appeal by the appellant, it was argued that a tenancy had been created. The new trustees cross-appealed arguing that damages should have been awarded.

Held, dismissing the appeal and allowing the cross-appeal:

(1) In determining whether an agreement creates between the parties the relationship of landlord and tenant or merely that of licensor and licensee, the intention of the parties is the paramount consideration. The intention of the parties must be sought not from the mere words of the agreement but from its substance and from the conduct of the parties and the surrounding circumstances: at [7].

(2) As the effect of the agreement was clearly to grant the tenant space on the wall to put up a display for their wares, there was no relationship of landlord and tenant. Instead, the tenant had only a personal privilege with no interest in land, which was terminable by one month's notice in writing: at [8], [9] and [10].

(3) The respondent should be awarded damages for the appellant's overstay at $40 per month until recovery of possession: at...