Can an agent act as the witness for both the landlord and tenant in a tenancy agreement

In Singapore, it is common practice for the property agent to act as a witness for the signing of a tenancy agreement. An agent can technically sign as the witness for both the landlord and the tenant, and there is no legal restriction preventing the same agent from witnessing both signatures. However, best practice suggests:

- The tenant’s witness is usually the property agent (representing either party).
- The landlord’s witness can be the same agent or a third party who does not have a conflict of interest.

The rationale behind having different witnesses is to ensure impartiality, especially if there is ever a dispute regarding the agreement. A witness should be an adult (typically above 21 years old) and ideally have no close relationship or vested interest with either party. While it is legally permissible for the same agent to witness both sides, some landlords or tenants may prefer to use a third party for greater neutrality.

Ultimately, the purpose of a witness is to confirm that the signatures were affixed willingly and with understanding of the terms. If all parties are comfortable, the same property agent can witness both signatures. Otherwise, appointing separate witnesses is also acceptable and may be considered best practice for impartiality.