Lesson 7 Flashcards
What is a license in property terms?
A license is a permission to use or occupy land for specific purposes, usually in exchange for payment of license fees.
Can property be rented under a license?
Yes, properties can be rented under a license.
Who grants a license in a property agreement?
The Licensor (Landlord) grants a license to the Licensee (Tenant) through a contract.
What happens to a licensee’s rights if land ownership changes?
The licensee does not have rights against the new owner and the license does not bind third parties.
Does a licensee have exclusive possession and control over the property?
No, a licensee has no exclusive possession or control and has no interest in the land.
Is a license transferable?
No, a license is not transferable; it cannot be assigned or passed upon death.
When is a license terminated?
A license is terminated when the landlord withdraws permission to occupy.
What are the two main types of licenses?
- Bare License
- Contractual License
What is a Bare License?
A Bare License grants the licensee a personal privilege to be on the licensor’s land without any proprietary rights.
Can you provide an example of a Bare License?
A member of the public entering a café for commercial or consumer purposes (by implication).
What is a Contractual License?
A Contractual License gives the licensee permission to occupy land for a fixed term and in exchange for a fee.
Can you provide examples of a Contractual License?
Examples include being a cinema patron, a soccer match spectator, or attending a concert.
What is a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL)?
A TOL allows for the renting out of State land or properties for temporary purposes.
What are some examples of Temporary Occupation Licences?
Examples include temporary car parks, open spaces for landscaping, mini fairs, trade expositions, carnivals, temporary workers’ quarters, and site offices.
Under which act is a Temporary Occupation Licence created?
TOLs are created under the State Land Act and issued by the Collector of Land Revenue (SLA).
What types of TOLs are issued under specific authorities?
HDB: Contractor Site Office, Work Site, or Show-flat
JTC: Temporary Site for Storage Purposes
STB issues NRTOL for Orchard Road Pedestrian Mall on a short-term and temporary basis.
How long can a license period for a Temporary Occupation Licence last?
The license period shall not exceed 10 years, with options to issue new licenses or renew existing ones.
How can licenses be obtained for Temporary Occupation?
Licenses can be obtained through applications, auctions, or tenders.
Can a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) be transferred or assigned?
No, a TOL cannot be transferred or assigned without written consent.
What happens to a Temporary Occupation Licence upon the death of the licensee?
The licence ceases to be valid upon the death of the licensee.
Is subletting allowed under a Temporary Occupation Licence?
No subletting is allowed unless there is written consent.
Can permanent buildings or structures be erected under a Temporary Occupation Licence?
No, permanent buildings or structures cannot be erected without prior consent
Can a landlord grant a license instead of a tenancy agreement to rent out property?
Yes, a landlord can grant a license instead of a tenancy agreement.
What is a lease?
A lease is a proprietary interest to possess and use land during an agreed tenure, granting the tenant legal rights to occupy the land.
How is a lease established?
A lease is made through a contract, which can be a tenancy agreement for shorter durations or a lease agreement for longer durations.
What is another term for a lease?
A lease is also known as a leasehold estate.
What does a lease involve in terms of payment?
A lease is based on a fixed or periodic term in consideration of the payment of rent.
What is the landlord’s interest in a lease?
The landlord must have an interest to retain the land in the future, known as reversion.
What is one essential characteristic of a lease?
Payment of Rent: Rent must be paid for occupying the property.
What does “Certainty of Duration” mean in a lease?
The length of the lease must be clearly defined.
What is meant by “Exclusive Possession”?
Exclusive possession allows the tenant to occupy the property to the exclusion of anyone else, including the landlord.
Does “Exclusive Use and Control” imply “Exclusive Possession”?
No, exclusive use and control (enjoyment) does not mean exclusive possession.
What is the general lease duration requirement for a tenancy agreement?
A tenancy agreement is typically for 7 years or less.
What formalities are needed for a tenancy agreement?
There are no formalities required; it can be made as a verbal agreement or in other languages.
What is the requirement for leases longer than 7 years?
A lease longer than 7 years must be in writing and signed by the person.
What language must a lease longer than 7 years be written in?
The lease must be written in English.
Is registration required for leases exceeding 7 years?
Yes, leases of more than 7 years must be registered.
What is the rent period that qualifies as short-term rent?
A rent period of 7 years or less is considered short-term rent.
Is a written agreement common for short-term tenancy?
Yes, a short-term tenancy is usually written and signed by both the landlord and the tenant.
What are the consequences under the Planning Act for engaging in short-term accommodation on residential property for less than 3 months?
Anyone found guilty may face a fine of at least $200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
What is required for a lease renting period that exceeds 7 years?
The lease must be in writing and executed as a deed.
What does Section 33(d) of the Residential Property Act state regarding foreign tenants?
Foreigners (including Singapore Permanent Residents) cannot lease restricted property for more than 7 years.
Can a lease on mortgaged property bind the lender?
No, unless the mortgage allows it, the law permits it, or the lender consents.
What does “void” mean in the context of lease agreements?
It means that the lease is legally unenforceable and has no legal effect.
What is a legal lease?
A lease that meets all formal requirements and is fully enforceable by law.
What happens if a lease does not comply with formal requirements?
It is considered an equitable lease, which is based on an enforceable agreement but lacks full legal status.
What is an equitable lease?
A lease that arises when the formalities of a legal lease are not met, yet the intention to create a lease is clear and enforceable in equity.
Give an example of an equitable lease.
A lease over 7 years not in the prescribed form, or a 5-year tenancy agreement written in a non-English language when legal requirements demand otherwise.
What happens when an equitable lease is assigned to another tenant?
The new tenant becomes the landlord’s tenant under the equitable lease too.
What is the maximum number of unrelated persons allowed in a property with a strata area of less than 90 m²?
6 unrelated persons.
What is the maximum number of unrelated persons allowed in a property with a strata area of 90 m² and above?
8 unrelated persons.
How many tenants are allowed in private property before needing to register with URA for approval?
8 tenants.
What is the minimum tenancy period required by the Planning Act?
3 consecutive months.
What is the maximum number of persons allowed to reside in a private residential property under URA regulations?
6 to 8 persons, depending on the strata area.
Are partitioning of rooms allowed to create more living spaces in private residential properties?
No, partitioning to create more rooms is not allowed.
How many persons are allowed per 10 m² according to URA regulations?
1 person per 10 m².
Are private residential properties allowed to be used for short-term accommodations?
No, private residential properties are not allowed for short-term accommodation.
What role does the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) play in private residential properties?
MCST plays an important role in tightening security measures to minimize short-term accommodation activities in their developments.
How can the MCST enhance security measures against short-term accommodation?
By stepping up the screening of visitors, noting luggage, and recording details of units and entry/exit dates.
What governs the rights and duties of landlords and tenants?
They are governed by clauses (express covenants) in the lease (contract).
What is a Habendum Clause in a lease agreement?
This part describes what rights the tenant has over the property and for how long. It sets the terms of the tenant’s interest in the property.
What is a Reddendum Clause in a lease agreement?
This part states how much rent the tenant needs to pay, how often to pay it, and any special terms related to the payment. It can also reserve certain rights for the landlord, like keeping control of certain parts of the property.
What does the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment by the tenant guarantee?
It guarantees that the tenant will have no disturbance by the landlord during their tenancy.
What is one of the landlord’s implied duties regarding taxes?
The landlord is responsible for paying taxes associated with the property.
What is meant by “fitness for habitation”?
The landlord must ensure that the rental property is suitable for living, meaning it should not be infested with bugs or otherwise unfit for habitation.