CEA's Guide to Dispute Resolution
In the event of a dispute, consumers are encouraged to approach the estate agent to resolve the dispute. They can also contact CEA in helping them approach the estate agent for a resolution. You may wish to visit here for more information.
For those consumers who are unable to get a satisfactory resolution from the estate agent, as long as it is a relevant dispute* and they signed the relevant estate agency agreement* from 1st Jan 2011, they can make use of CEA's Dispute Resolution Scheme.
The Dispute Resolution Scheme consist of 2 Sub-Schemes, one using mediation and the other using arbitration to resolve the dispute.
In general mediation is a process where the mediator facilitates the consumer and estate agent in trying to resolve a dispute and come to a mutually acceptable agreement. The decision is left to the parties & is not dictated by the mediator.
As for arbitration, it is a process where the arbitrator will consider the issues of both parties and arrive at a decision which is binding on both parties.
For those consumers who are unable to get a satisfactory resolution from the estate agent, as long as it is a relevant dispute* and they signed the relevant estate agency agreement* from 1st Jan 2011, they can make use of CEA's Dispute Resolution Scheme.
The Dispute Resolution Scheme consist of 2 Sub-Schemes, one using mediation and the other using arbitration to resolve the dispute.
In general mediation is a process where the mediator facilitates the consumer and estate agent in trying to resolve a dispute and come to a mutually acceptable agreement. The decision is left to the parties & is not dictated by the mediator.
As for arbitration, it is a process where the arbitrator will consider the issues of both parties and arrive at a decision which is binding on both parties.
Disputes for which the CEA's Dispute Resolution Scheme are Available
The Council for Estate Agencies Dispute Resolution Scheme will be available for the resolution of relevant disputes* which arise from relevant estate agency agreement* which is entered into between a client* and a licensed estate agent signed from 1st Jan 2011.
*Please see definitions below.
*Please see definitions below.
Participation in CEA Dispute Resolution Schemes
Participation by licensed estate agents and their registered salespersons in the dispute resolution process is compulsory .
a) The CEA Mediation Sub-Scheme
Either party (i.e. the client or estate agent) can initiate mediation. Whether the client or the estate agent initiates the mediation, the selection of the mediation centre will be by the client.
b) The CEA Arbitration Sub-Scheme
If the parties (i.e. the client and estate agent) fail to reach a settlement through mediation, either party can initiate arbitration. The parties can proceed to arbitration at the approved arbitration centre as selected by the client for a resolution of the dispute.
Choice of the client whether to proceed for mediation or arbitration under the above Sub-Schemes
If action is initiated by the estate agent, the client can opt not to proceed with the mediation or the arbitration . Client may also choose to opt directly for arbitration without having to go for mediation first.
Definitions*
a) The CEA Mediation Sub-Scheme
Either party (i.e. the client or estate agent) can initiate mediation. Whether the client or the estate agent initiates the mediation, the selection of the mediation centre will be by the client.
b) The CEA Arbitration Sub-Scheme
If the parties (i.e. the client and estate agent) fail to reach a settlement through mediation, either party can initiate arbitration. The parties can proceed to arbitration at the approved arbitration centre as selected by the client for a resolution of the dispute.
Choice of the client whether to proceed for mediation or arbitration under the above Sub-Schemes
If action is initiated by the estate agent, the client can opt not to proceed with the mediation or the arbitration . Client may also choose to opt directly for arbitration without having to go for mediation first.
Definitions*
- *client* is a person who has signed a relevant estate agency agreement with a licensed estate agent;
- *relevant dispute* is a dispute which arises from a relevant estate agency agreement between a client and a licensed estate agent;
- *relevant estate agency agreement* is an estate agency agreement signed on or after 1st January 2011 in the form prescribed under the Estate Agents (Estate Agency Work) Regulations 2010 for following property transactions:
(a) the sale, purchase or lease of residential property in Singapore on a non-exclusive basis; or
(b) the sale, purchase or lease of residential property in Singapore on an exclusive basis;
Fees for CEA Approved Mediation Centres
b. Singapore Institute of Surveyors & Valuers (SISV) Mediation Fees
- $107 per party (including GST)
- Fee includes complimentary use of the SISV Dispute Resolution Centre facilities for up to 2 hours
- Cost for additional mediation sessions required as decided by the Parties shall be payable as follows:
b. Room Charges: $50 per hour (including 7% GST)
All other costs incurred for the conduct of the mediation shall be reimbursed by the Parties on 50:50 basis
Read more details at the CEA official website.
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