AskGuru Q&A Community

Hi,

Yes, it is quite normal for landlords to arrange viewings with prospective buyers when they intend to sell their property, even while the unit is tenanted.

However, this does not mean the landlord can simply enter whenever they wish or arrange unlimited viewings without considering your circumstances.

The first thing I would suggest is checking your tenancy agreement.

Most tenancy agreements contain a clause allowing viewings for prospective buyers, subject to reasonable notice and prior appointment. For example, the CEA tenancy agreement template provides for at least 48 hours' written notice.

Since you work from home and have meetings throughout the day, I would suggest discussing a mutually agreeable viewing schedule with your landlord.

Perhaps you could propose specific viewing windows, such as certain evenings or weekends, and request that appointments be grouped together where possible.

This would allow the landlord to market the property while minimising disruption to your daily routine.

You should also clarify who will accompany prospective buyers and ensure that viewings are properly coordinated.

May I know whether your tenancy agreement specifies how much notice the landlord must give and whether there are restrictions on viewing arrangements?

Also, did you engage a property agent when renting this unit? If so, have you approached your agent to help communicate your concerns to the landlord or the landlord's agent?

While an agent's formal responsibilities may have ended after the tenancy handover, they may still be willing to assist in facilitating an amicable arrangement.

Ultimately, the landlord has an interest in selling the property, but you also have a legitimate interest in enjoying the home you are paying rent for.

A reasonable arrangement should respect both parties' interests.

Geryl Lim
 9278 7772  Read More

Hi, check your signed agreement’s access and sale-viewing clauses first. The landlord’s plan to sell does not by itself tell you the notice period or appointment arrangements that apply. CEA’s model agreement addresses sale viewings by notice and appointment, but your signed terms need to be read.

Propose a practical schedule in writing: defined viewing windows, appointments grouped where possible, advance confirmation and an accompanying landlord or agent. Explain your meeting hours and agree how personal belongings and photography will be handled.

This can allow marketing while reducing disruption. If the landlord insists on arrangements that conflict with the agreement, seek advice or mediation rather than assume unlimited entry or an absolute right to refuse every viewing. What does your access clause say?

Silas Tan | Huttons | TRIBE
Free property guides and calculators: https://tribesg.com Read More

**Yes, it is normal for a landlord to request buyer viewings, as standard Singapore Tenancy Agreements (TAs) allow access for prospective buyers at any point during the lease. However, you still hold the legal right to "quiet enjoyment," meaning your landlord cannot bring strangers in unannounced or disrupt your workday whenever they please.**

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### 1. Your Rights Under a Standard Singapore TA

* **Mandatory Advance Notice:** Standard CEA tenancy templates require at least **48 hours’ written notice** before showing the unit to prospective buyers. While you cannot unreasonably block properly scheduled viewings, you can refuse last-minute "I'm downstairs" requests.
* **Your Lease Remains Protected:** Even if the unit sells, your existing TA stays valid until expiry. A private property buyer takes over the tenancy on the exact same terms unless your TA contains an explicit "sale-break" clause. (Note: HDB resale rules require vacant possession upon completion, meaning an HDB landlord cannot force you out early without your mutual agreement and compensation.)

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### 2. How to Set Boundaries Without Friction

Instead of saying "no" to viewings—which can breach your access clause—propose structured time slots in writing (WhatsApp or email):

* **Batch Viewings Into Fixed Windows:** Offer 1 to 2 fixed windows per week outside your core meeting hours (e.g., *Wednesdays 6:30–7:30 PM* and *Saturdays 11:00 AM–1:00 PM*), and ask the agent to group buyers together.
* **Require Accompaniment & Privacy:** Insist that the landlord or their CEA-registered agent accompany all viewers at all times, and keep confidential work screens or documents stowed away during viewing windows.
* **Keep Everything Written:** Confirm every viewing slot via WhatsApp so you have a clear paper trail if frequency becomes excessive.

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Gan Eng Joo Onassis 颜荣裕, REALTOR®

MSc BIT (Middlesex, UK); BBA (UniSA)

CEA Reg No: R021244C | Mobile: (+65) 8889 9918 

Email: onassis@sgagent.com

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