Singapore Renting Guide: Leases, Licenses & How To’s

Get an Agent or Get in touch with the Landlord directly: Decide between these two options to inquire about available properties.

Property Viewing: Arrange appointments to visit properties of interest. This enables you to personally evaluate the condition, layout, and suitability of each property. 

Negotiation and Offer: If you discover a suitable property, present either an informal or formal offer to the landlord. If needed, engage in discussions to finalize rental terms acceptable to both parties. Furthermore, The Letter of Intent outlines your intentions for leasing the property and your specific requirements. Include these in the LOI:

• Diplomatic or Repatriate Clause: Protects you by allowing lease termination after 12 months with 2 months’ notice if employment changes.
• Good faith Deposit (booking deposit): One month’s rent to secure the property.
• Security Deposit: Usually a month’s rent per year of the lease, refundable minus damages.
• Term of Lease: Typically over 1 year with options to renew.
• Your Requirements: Specify all requests clearly in the LOI.

Tenancy Agreement: After accepting the LOI, the landlord provides the Tenancy Agreement within 7 days. This agreement, based on the LOI, needs careful review, including the inventory, to prevent disputes.

These documents might also be required:

• Singapore Identification Card, Student Visa, LTSV Pass, Dependant Pass, Work Permit, S Pass, or Employment Pass (Copy and original version)
• foreign passport (Copy and original version)
• Payment amount allocated for one-month advance rental fee, security deposit, tenant stamp duty, and Public Utilities Board (PUB) deposit
• Local contact number and email, facilitating communication with the property agent and/or prospective landlord

Financial Obligations: Prepare for financial responsibilities, including paying a security deposit (1-3 months’ rent), potential agency fees, and stamp duty. You must pay stamp duty, a tax on property documents, within 14 days of signing the TA.

You may also encounter the following additional expenses:

• Good Faith and Security Deposits: 1 month’s rent for a 1-year lease, 2 months for a 2-year lease. Plus, first month’s rent.
• Agent Fees (if applicable) Conventional market rate: 2% Ohmyhome’s rate: 1% of the sale price + GST
• Furnishings Depending on personal preferences: Fully-furnished or half-furnished options
• External Utility Bills (gas, water, electricity) Estimated range: $40-60 per month
• External Internet Bills Estimated range: $20-30 per month
• If you are the sole provider, sufficient insurance to cover rent

Property Handover: You officially take possession of the property on the agreed lease start date or earlier.

Punctual Payment: The renting agreement outlines the rent fees, excluding management fees and rates. It’s crucial to specify the payment schedule (usually monthly) and method (check, cash, or bank transfer). Landlords can issue eviction notices for tenants who repeatedly violate the terms of their lease.

Utilities & Maintenance: Unless otherwise noted, tenants are accountable for utility costs such as phone, gas, and electricity. Moreover, negotiations may incorporate these expenses into the contract terms.

Furnished Arrangements: Creating a comprehensive list of the furniture and appliances provided under the lease is essential. However, while certain items might be provided (such as stovetops, refrigerators, and washing machines), there could be exclusions from the arrangement.