In Singapore, a tenancy agreement **is considered valid** even if the stamp duty is not done. However, there are significant drawbacks to not having a stamped tenancy agreement:
* **Enforceability in Court:** If a dispute arises between you and your tenant and you need to take legal action, an unstamped tenancy agreement **may not be admissible as evidence in court**. This can make it difficult to enforce the terms of the agreement, such as rent collection or eviction procedures.
Here's a link to the official IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) website that explains the importance of stamping tenancy agreements: [https://www.iras.gov.sg/digital-services/stamp-duty](https://www.iras.gov.sg/digital-services/stamp-duty)
**Here's why it's important to have a stamped tenancy agreement, even for room rentals:**
* **Protects Both Parties:** A stamped agreement provides a clear record of the agreed-upon terms for both you (the landlord) and your tenant. This can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
* **Peace of Mind:** Knowing you have a legally enforceable agreement can give you peace of mind as a landlord.
**While your agent might have said it's not necessary for room rentals, it's generally advisable to have a stamped agreement for any tenancy situation.** The cost of the stamp duty is relatively low compared to the potential problems that can arise without it.
Here's what can happen if there's no stamped agreement:
* **Difficulty Evicting a Difficult Tenant:** If your tenant breaches the agreement (e.g., not paying rent) and you need to evict them, the lack of a stamped agreement could make the process more complex.
* **Challenges Recovering Rent Arrears:** In case of unpaid rent, an unstamped agreement might make it harder to recover the money through legal means.
**Here's what you can do:**
1. **Discuss with your Tenant:** Talk to your tenant and explain your preference to have a stamped tenancy agreement. It protects both of you.
2. **Cost Sharing:** The cost of stamp duty can be shared between you and your tenant as per the agreement.
3. **Get Help with Stamping:** You can approach any IRAS office or use their e-stamping service to get the tenancy agreement stamped.
**It's important to be informed and take steps to protect yourself as a landlord. Having a stamped tenancy agreement, even for room rentals, is a wise decision.**
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