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Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:32 pm
by Jo Bold
Like the title says; does a lease agreement or a termination of it have to be in khmer to be valid?

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:50 pm
by PSD-Kiwi
Yes

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 5:55 pm
by Jo Bold
Thank you for your quick reply!
I googled for this a while but couldn't find anything. Are you sure this is also necessary for the termination?

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:26 pm
by PSD-Kiwi
All contracts in Cambodia must be in Khmer to be legally binding.

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:28 pm
by explorer
Cambodians often dont stand by agreements or contracts. For example, if a Chinese company comes along and wants the place, you will be out.

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:40 pm
by Jo Bold
Thanks again to both of you.
But again, i only want to know the legal status. In this case if a letter of termination in a foreign language is valid.

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:54 pm
by PSD-Kiwi
Must be in Khmer to be legally binding.

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:58 pm
by Jo Bold
Thank you PSD-Kiwi, you were a big help!

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:29 pm
by pczz
Jo Bold wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2019 6:58 pm Thank you PSD-Kiwi, you were a big help!
I believ it also has to be provided in English or home language of the renter if it is a foreigner, but the khmer document is the legal one and would be the one in court. leastwise thats whats always happened with me, i get a khmer and english copy, both signed and witnessed. Any mistranslations in the foreign language version would be irrelevant so before you sign it go to a notary and have the translation checked so you know what you are signing

Re: Does a lease agreement have to be in Khmer to be valid?

Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:57 pm
by whatwat
Basically it doesn’t matter especially if you’re in SIhanoukville. Even if it’s written in the owners blood and unless you have friends in very high places and/or a big bank balance you are royally fucked.

Don’t waste your breath if you’re having issues. Walk away. It’s better for your sanity.