Commission On Rental Agreement

[Lauder2012]

Dear All, I have just moved to Singapore last week and been apartment hunting, in particular around D08. Being new to Singapore, my employer put me in touch with a real estate, here is the thing, the lady did mention on the first day that 1 month's rental fee is applicable for her commission if I find somewhere, I did not pass much attention and assumed it was the norm. So he is the issue, I have since found out that no commission is paid if the monthly rent is over $3k, hence my problem now, I have found something and want to rent the property, I spoke to her today and told her that after doing my homework I feel the the commission is high, I understand that you need to get paid but can we discuss, she replied, company sets this and she has no power to discuss. Hence, now its a lot of money to pay and I am having doubts, I do not want to pay it, she will not move, so is it alright to approach another company to act on my behalf who confirmed today there will be no commission required?

[x9200]

Unfortunately she is right and this is not her company this is the law. Of course as per actual amount it is negotiable but you agreed with the figure at the beginning of your acquaintance so you should not be surprised. Some agents agree to follow the 3k rule but if they are not willing there is no force to make them to do this. In other words your options are to pay or find a new agent (a willing one) or do it without an agent.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Only if you want to end up in court.

[x9200]

I guess there is no written agreement so she may have problems proving what the parties agreed.

[zzm9980]

Are verbal agreements like this generally enforceable in Singapore?

[x9200]

Yes, but you need to have a proof of what was agreed otherwise there will be no base for any dispute.

[Live For the thrill]

Hi Lauder and All,

Did you manage to sort this out?

This is why I ask:
I was put in touch with a rental agent similarly by my company and upfront I enquired about the 3k rule. He stated that yes this is the case and that he will negotiate with the other agent so that I do not have to pay the commission. In that case, I stated that it is fine and I will use him. However, now that I found a place that I like he just emails to say that his fee is half the months rental ? W T H ? What can I do? I like the place but i am not going to pay him $2000 after reaching an agreement and for 1 days work?

Please assist.

[Saint]

Did either of you sign the Estate Agency Agreement with these Agents?(see link below) If not don't pay any commission as it's more than likely the Agent has a signed agreement with the Landlord and is trying to get double commission from both of you. This is illegal!

http://www.cea.gov.sg/cea/content/binar ... Tenant.pdf

[Live For the thrill]

Hi Saint,

Thanks a mil!
Didn't sign the agreement and managed to sort it out!

Best regards

[Lauder2012]

Hi Saint,

Thanks a mil!
Didn't sign the agreement and managed to sort it out!

Best regards

Yes I sorted it out did not sign and went sourced another agent who told me she would get the commission from the letting agent, just signed the TA and no commission paid, so all good.