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Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

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richsing
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Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

Post by richsing » Tue, 26 Jul 2022 7:11 pm

I used an agent to find and act as my agent a few years ago and to trigger renewal several times. Still in same place.

Now it seems they are acting on behalf of landlord who considers them his agent so I am left without representation. Basically they switched roles without telling me.

Is this allowed and is there anything than can be done.

Thanks for any help on this matter.

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abbby
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Re: Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

Post by abbby » Thu, 28 Jul 2022 9:49 am

Agent should only represent one side, and shouldn't switch sides. He shouldn't be protecting you one day 1 and later changed to protecting the owner. The representation will then be very blurry especially if a problem pops up and you see him taking sides with the owner. I think you should have a word with your agent.
The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made. - Groucho Marx (1890-1977)

Lisafuller
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Re: Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

Post by Lisafuller » Sat, 30 Jul 2022 5:13 am

It’s a conflict of interest for the agent to represent both sides.

Acquisure
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Re: Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

Post by Acquisure » Sun, 31 Jul 2022 6:36 pm

Nope, agent cannot represent both sides

therat
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Re: Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

Post by therat » Sun, 31 Jul 2022 7:44 pm

https://www.cea.gov.sg/docs/default-sou ... ransaction.

agent cannot represent both side. will get fine and jail.

refer to above link.

Former property agent Tan Chai Sern Ryan was recently convicted in Court for representing both the tenant and the landlord in two rental transactions that each involved the lease of a HDB bedroom. He was also convicted of handling money related to one of the rental transactions.

The Court sentenced Tan to a total fine of $12,500, in default 10 weeks’ imprisonment.

Lisafuller
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Re: Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

Post by Lisafuller » Sun, 31 Jul 2022 10:18 pm

Right. An agent can, however assist any one party in selling their property and then renting/buying a new one. That’s an entirely different story.

richsing
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Re: Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

Post by richsing » Mon, 01 Aug 2022 11:35 pm

Thanks for replies.

Landlord referred to them as his agent - maybe slip of the tongue. Agent refuses to answer my question about it. Not sure what I can do that won't cause me grief. Tempted to let tenancy run its course. Luckily I have the condition of the place when I moved in well documented with photos, so hopefully not too many issues when I do move.

therat
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Re: Can agent represent tenant and landlord?

Post by therat » Tue, 02 Aug 2022 9:48 am

the easy way to tell the agent represent which side is, the last contract who paid the commission.
If you and the landlord, both side paying to the same agent. Then something not right.
You can feedback to CEA

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