Managing agents should be regulated

It is time to look into regulating the managing agents of Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) (New laws could bring relief, but condo residents’ apathy a bigger problem; Aug 12, online).

Without such regulations, there may be conflicts of interest, or agents may be unable to advise the MCSTs professionally if they do not know the industry standards.

If they are regulated, most residents would be assured that their estates conform to a national standard at least, rather than each agent’s standard.

There would also be an official avenue for feedback on the agents’ professionalism.

Though there are member associations, they would protect their self-interest. Since many professional bodies in Singapore are regulated, this industry should be too.