About this form
Form 3 is the prescribed agreement between a landlord of residential property and the estate agent appointed to find a tenant. It is the non-exclusive version, so the landlord may appoint other agencies and may let the property themselves.
When you need it
- A landlord asks you to market their residential property for rent without granting exclusivity.
- A property is being marketed by more than one agency at once.
- A previous exclusive appointment has ended and marketing continues on an open basis.
How to complete it
- Identify the property including the unit number, and record whether the whole unit or only part of it is being let — that distinction carries different obligations.
- Record the landlord’s particulars from identification, and confirm they are entitled to let the property.
- State the commission, its basis (commonly a function of the rent and the term) and when it falls due.
- Set the appointment period.
- Complete the salesperson’s CEA registration number.
- Sign before marketing begins and hand the landlord a copy.
Common mistakes
- Using the private residential form for an HDB flat without regard to HDB’s own approval and eligibility requirements, which sit alongside the agreement rather than being replaced by it.
- Failing to record whether the letting is of the whole unit or of rooms.
- Omitting to verify the landlord’s entitlement to let before marketing.
- Treating the agreement as covering tenant verification obligations, which are separate.
Legal basis
Prescribed under the Estate Agents (Estate Agency Work) Regulations. CEA publishes the current forms and accompanying guidance. Read the issuer’s guidance.
Questions
- Does Form 3 cover renting out an HDB flat?
- The agreement governs your appointment by the landlord. It does not replace HDB’s eligibility conditions or the approval required to rent out a flat — those apply in addition, and the CEA checklists for HDB rental cover them.
- Do I still need to verify the tenant’s immigration status?
- Yes. Verifying that a prospective tenant may lawfully be in Singapore is a separate obligation and is not discharged by the agency agreement. CEA publishes a checklist directed specifically at Immigration Act and Women’s Charter compliance.
- What is the exclusive equivalent?
- Form 7 — the exclusive estate agency agreement for the lease of residential property by a landlord.