Tan Kok Wah David has been fined for representing both the landlord and the tenant in a property rental transaction.
According to the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), he had collected commission from the tenant and the landlord amounting to $8,800, and was sentenced to a $12,000 fine, in default five weeks’ imprisonment for the charge of dual representation.
Additionally, his registration was subsequently revoked by CEA.
At the time of the offence, Tan was a registered salesperson with the Ancient Nature Home Properties.
Under the Estate Agents Act, it is an offence for estate agents and salespersons to be appointed by both tenants/buyers and landlords/sellers for the same property transaction.
CEA has prohibited the practice of dual representation since November 2010 as it presents a conflict of interest. The ban applies to all property transactions, including residential, commercial and industrial properties.
If found guilty of failing to comply, the penalty is a fine up to $25,000 or imprisonment for a term up to 12 months or both.
The first prosecution case for dual representation was in March 2013.
Muneerah Bee, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email muneerah@propertyguru.com.sg
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