Taking on the role of a landlord can be time consuming, and even emotionally demanding. A property goes through wear and tear and needs maintenance from time to time, not only do you have to coordinate with various services, you would also need to manage the relationship with the tenant. In many instances where one has engaged a real estate agent to assist with the rental transaction, it is assumed that the agent will follow through to assist the landlord in the management of the rental property. This is even more essential given that many Singaporeans or investors today, may not actually reside in Singapore.

So, have you ever felt irritated with your real estate agent for not assisting you with the management of your rental property? However, do you know that agents behave this way because that is exactly how their role is defined? To all landlords (including potential ones) out there, you would want to know that the council of estate agencies (CEA) in Singapore does not require agents to fulfil the rental property management role. You can look towards them to advise you on your eligibility to rent out your HDB flat, arrange and conduct viewings of your property, provide advice throughout the rental transaction, inform you of all offers or expression of interest, represent you in negotiations, and explain and support you to enter into a legal rental arrangement and to clarify any queries you might have about the necessary steps or legal procedures. However, if your agent continues to assist you without payment for the management of the rental property, do know that this goes beyond their defined job scope. This is however rare. Understanding the roles and responsibility of your agent will minimise any miscommunication, and misplaced expectations.

So, if you do need additional rental management services, the current market is geared towards the luxury end with prices that bundles services from tenant screening to rental property management to staging of the property for sale. Individual agents however, may offer this service based on a monthly fee.