1. Introduction

Whether you are a property owner or a tenant, signing a landlord-tenant agreement is a significant commitment. These agreements outline the terms and conditions under which the rental property will be leased, and they can have long-term implications for your rights and obligations. While it may seem straightforward to sign the contract presented to you, failing to fully understand the legal implications of the agreement could result in unexpected risks, obligations, and disputes in the future.

Having a legal expert review the landlord-tenant agreement before you sign is essential to safeguarding your interests. An experienced and commercially-astute lawyer will help you identify clauses that could expose you to unnecessary liabilities, negotiate more favourable terms, and explain your rights and obligations in clear, actionable terms. Importantly, they can also help you understand how the agreement aligns with current property law, ensuring your compliance and providing you with options if a dispute arises.

In this article, we explore the importance of having your landlord-tenant agreements reviewed by legal counsel and the benefits of doing so before committing to a lease.

2. Why We Publish This Article

As a law firm specialising in commercial and real estate law, we understand the intricacies of landlord-tenant agreements and the potential risks involved in entering such contracts without proper legal review. We frequently assist clients who face disputes with landlords or tenants, many of whom signed agreements without seeking professional legal advice beforehand.

From our experience, we have observed that certain clauses in these agreements are often heavily skewed in favour of one party, which can leave the other vulnerable to unfavourable terms. When clients come to us after a dispute has arisen, it is often too late to make changes to the contract. By proactively seeking legal counsel, you can avoid the costly consequences of an unfairly drafted agreement and protect your interests from the start.

We publish this article to help both landlords and tenants understand the critical importance of reviewing lease agreements before signing and to provide insights on how a legal expert can protect your rights and minimise the risk of future disputes.

3. Reasons to Have Your Landlord-Tenant Agreement Legally Reviewed Before Signing

Our key reasons for having a legal professional review your landlord-tenant agreement are as follows:

(a) Identifying Commercially Risky Clauses

Landlord-tenant agreements can contain clauses that, if left unchecked, may place you at significant commercial risk. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, a thorough legal review will help identify any clauses that might impose onerous financial responsibilities, excessively restrict your use of the property, or limit your recourse in case of a breach. By having a lawyer review your agreement, you can ensure that you fully understand the terms and avoid entering into an agreement that could jeopardise your financial stability or business operations.

(b) Negotiating Favourable Terms

In many cases, landlords and tenants can negotiate more favourable terms than those initially presented. A lawyer with expertise in landlord-tenant law can help you identify areas where the agreement may be revised to benefit you. For example, a tenant may be able to negotiate a rent reduction or an extension of the notice period, while a landlord might include clauses that helps with prompt payment of rent or stricter terms for property maintenance. With legal counsel, you can strengthen your position and ensure that your interests are well represented in the contract.

(c) Ensuring Compliance with Local Property Laws

Landlord-tenant laws vary by jurisdiction, and it is critical that your lease agreement complies with the applicable regulations in your area. A lawyer will review your contract for compliance with current property laws, protecting you from potential legal issues down the road. Failure to comply with local property laws could result in legal disputes, fines, or even eviction. By having your lease agreement reviewed, you can have peace of mind knowing that the contract is legally sound and enforceable.

(d) Protecting Your Long-Term Interests

A well-drafted landlord-tenant agreement should not only address your immediate needs but also anticipate potential issues that may arise over the term of the lease. For instance, a tenant may want to secure an option to renew the lease at a future date, while a landlord may wish to include provisions that allow for rent increases in accordance with market trends. Legal counsel can help structure these clauses to ensure that both parties’ long-term interests are protected and that the agreement remains fair and viable throughout its duration.

4. Conclusion

The terms of a landlord-tenant agreement are legally binding and will significantly impact your rights and responsibilities throughout the life of the lease. While it may be tempting to sign quickly and move forward with the rental arrangement, taking the time to have the agreement reviewed by a legal professional can prevent costly mistakes, misunderstandings, and future disputes.

By seeking legal advice before signing, you gain the advantage of understanding every provision in the contract and ensuring that it aligns with your best interests. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, investing in legal counsel can help you negotiate better terms, mitigate risks, and protect your rights over the long term.

If you require assistance in reviewing your landlord-tenant agreement, our firm is ready to help. We specialise in real estate law and can provide expert advice to ensure that your agreement serves your interests and complies with the law.

Waltson Tan Director +65 8079 0028 waltson.tan@28falconlaw.com

Office address: 101A Upper Cross Street #13-11, People’s Park Centre Singapore 058358