1. Landlord and Tenant: Defining the Roles
When using this tenancy agreement sample, it's essential to clearly define who the landlord and tenant are. This ensures there is no confusion about the parties involved.
The landlord is the property owner who grants the tenant the right to occupy the premises.
The tenant is the individual or entity paying rent to occupy the property.
Make sure to include the following details for both parties at the start of the agreement:
Full names.
Identification numbers (IC or passport numbers).
Contact information (phone number, email, and address).
Company registration numbers (if applicable).
Action Step: At the beginning of your tenancy agreement and the schedule page, fill in both the landlord's and tenant's particulars, ensuring all contact details are accurate.
2. Tenant and Landlord Covenants: Obligations for Both Parties
Covenants are the legal promises or obligations that the tenant and landlord must uphold throughout the tenancy.
Tenant Covenants
The tenant agrees to:
Pay rent on time.
Keep the property well-maintained.
Follow any house rules, such as noise restrictions or use of shared spaces.
Cover the cost of utilities (electricity, water, etc.).
Keep the property free from pets and pests (if agreed in the contract).
Inform the landlord immediately about any structural defects for prompt action.
Service the air-conditioners every 6 months or 1 year.
Be responsible for minor repairs (if a minor-repair clause is included).
Landlord Covenants
The landlord agrees to:
Ensure the property is habitable and all electrical appliances are in working order.
Pay all necessary property taxes.
Maintain insurance for the structure (excluding tenant-owned furniture) against fire damage.
Carry out structural repairs when necessary.
Ensure that essential services such as electricity and water are available (unless otherwise agreed).
Action Step: In your agreement, list the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant in separate sections. Be clear about who is responsible for maintenance, repairs, and payments.
3. Mutual Covenants: Joint Obligations and Rights
These are promises that both parties agree to:
The mutually agreed mode of rental payment (e.g., bank transfer or post-dated cheques).
The security deposit (for repairs and damages) and utility deposit (to cover unpaid utility bills).
The tenant's right to "quiet enjoyment" of the property, meaning the tenant can live there without interference, provided they meet their responsibilities.
A dispute resolution process to resolve any conflicts.
The terms for renewing or ending the agreement.
Action Step: Be sure to specify how rent will be paid and how deposits will be used. This helps avoid confusion later on.
4. The Schedule: A Key Part of the Agreement
The schedule is an important part of the tenancy agreement, typically placed toward the end of the document. It should include:
Property details (address, unit number).
Rent amount and due dates.
Security deposits, utility deposits, and any other fees.
The agreed duration of the tenancy.
This section also contains both parties' full names, IC numbers, and contact details, and should be signed by both parties.
Action Step: Review the schedule in our tenancy agreement sample carefully and make sure all the details are accurate before signing. This part of the agreement is legally binding.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post, along with the free tenancy agreement sample, is intended to serve as a general guide only. It is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional legal consultation. A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document, and we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified lawyer or legal professional to draft or review your agreement to ensure it complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
By using this guide and sample, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor any legal consequences that may arise from using the provided materials without seeking professional legal advice.