Getting kicked out because I

[Natfixit]

If I rented my property to someone and the found out by accident that the person was renting it to someone else (who I would know nothing about) I would not be happy. You didn't think to let the landlord know what you were doing?

I agree. Absolutely. Sorry, I have no sympathy to the OP in this case. You rented from the landlord. The landlord trusted you as a person/ tenant to take care of their property ( remember, it is not yours, only on loan) and you rent it out to some person you have never met nor vetted. Anything can happen. Like...um, a hell of a lot of damage. Greed reaps ...wrath.

[wtbhotia]

Technically he cannot forcefully remove you, shit you can even keep living there without paying rent if you want to play games, it would take the LL minimum 3 months to get a court order and have bailiffs to forcefully remove you. that is if you want to take it that far.

When negotating of getting your deposit back, if the LL plays silly buggers and doesnt want to, DO NOT HAND OVER KEYS until you have your deposit back, NO CHEQUES, CASH IS KING. \

Threaten the LL with the knowledge above

Next time dont make silly mistakes.

[mrgoodkat]

He can't repossess the flat without a court order or enter your flat with his keys without your permission. Just don't move out. Tell him he'll get the flat back when the lease ends upon mutual inspection and the return of the deposit in cash. Change lock and don't leave until you got everything back. There is nothing he can do to make you leave. Well nothing worth the deposit anyway
Even if he calls the cops, it's a contractual matter, nothing the cops can enforce.

[er2]

Ah but the intent was there
That's evidence enough.

OP
Just grovel to the Landlord and say sorry blah blah and it won't happen again and see what he says.
That's all you can do

Jimbo, full of BS as usual. Repossessing an apartment without a court order is going to end the landlord in jail. I get it that the landlord might be angry, but forum mob sentiment isn't the law of the land.

@OP - I'd get legal advice because the Landlord might bring civil charges against you and no one here will be able to get you proper advise. Regarding the repossession - I would simply tell the landlord know and remind him that he is breaking into your home if he enters it in your absence.

[Fiona in HKG]

No, I don't see any government stamp.

CLIC - Landlord & Tentant - What is the consequence of failing to stamp a tenancy document?

[TheBrit]

OP, you have done nothing wrong.You didn't sublet, so you are not even in breach of the contract.

The landlord can not legally take your deposit.

If he threatens to do so, play hardball and refuse to hand back the apartment. He'll lose far more money going through the system to take back vacant possession, and he knows it.

[TheDocHK]

All right. I'll have an update today I guess. I'm leaving for Christmas on Sunday and I sure hope not to find my place taken by someone else when I get back.

[flameproof]

All right. I'll have an update today I guess. I'm leaving for Christmas on Sunday and I sure hope not to find my place taken by someone else when I get back.

Don't be so negative, maybe they are nice people....

[TheBrit]

All right. I'll have an update today I guess. I'm leaving for Christmas on Sunday and I sure hope not to find my place taken by someone else when I get back.

Change the locks. $300 or something similar, takes 5 minutes for a locksmith.

[Ehiogu]

The hypothetical "you" could sue the tenant for compensation and damages.

Interesting. On what basis could the hypothetical you sue the tenant for "compensation and damages"?