10 Do’s and Don’ts of Renting in Singapore

A friend of mine has shifted rental units 4 times in the past 6 years. Along the way, she’s had her fair share of horror stories: landlords charging her for mysterious “extra costs,” appliances that broke down the moment she moved in (like the microwave that never turned on), and even an apartment advertised with an oven that turned out to be just a microwave oven. She’s happily settled now—but it took time, money, and plenty of frustration to get there.

Renting in Singapore can be exciting. You get to explore new neighbourhoods, imagine yourself in different homes, and finally pick a place that feels like yours. But it can also be stressful. Prices move quickly, landlords have their quirks, and tenancy agreements are rarely bedtime reading.

That’s why it pays to go in prepared. Whether you’re new to renting in Singapore or renewing your lease, knowing the key do’s and don’ts will help you avoid common pitfalls and make smarter choices.

 

Do’s of renting in Singapore

Do #1: Research the market before committing

Rents can vary a lot depending on the neighbourhood, the property type, and even how close you are to an MRT. Instead of jumping at the first place you see, compare a few options to understand what’s reasonable. Platforms like PropertyGuru make it easy to scan the market and get a sense of what’s out there.

Do #2: Understand your tenancy agreement

A tenancy agreement isn’t just paperwork, it’s your rulebook for the next year or two. Make sure you understand clauses around early termination, repairs, and who pays for what. If something isn’t clear, ask your landlord to explain. It’s much easier to clarify upfront than argue later.

Do #3: Work with reliable agents

A good property agent can save you time and stress by verifying landlords, negotiating terms, and helping you avoid shady deals. When in doubt, you can search for licensed real estate agents online to check credentials before engaging them.

Do #4: Inspect the property thoroughly

Don’t just take the landlord’s word for it—test the taps, switch on the lights, and check that the aircon actually blows cold. Note any issues and take photos before moving in. This protects you when it’s time to get your deposit back.

Do #5: Budget beyond rent

Rent is just the headline number. You’ll also need to account for utilities, Wi-Fi, stamp duty, and in some cases, agent fees or condo maintenance charges. Planning ahead means no nasty surprises when the bills roll in.

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ALSO READ: Rising HDB Prices in 2025—How to Decide Between Buying Now, Waiting for a BTO, or Renting

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Don’ts of Renting in Singapore

Don’t #1: Skip due diligence on the landlord

Always confirm that the person you’re renting from is the actual owner or officially authorised by them, and not just a master tenant. Unless the landlord officially authorises it, master tenants aren’t permitted to sublet. To be safe, ask the landlord to log into their HDB account for public housing, or verify ownership through the Singapore Land Authority for private property.

Don’t #2: Ignore rental regulations

Renting isn’t just about agreeing on a price—it’s also about following the rules. For example, HDB flats have minimum rental periods, and not all foreigners are eligible to rent them. Condos often have their own restrictions on subletting. Ignoring these regulations could leave you in a sticky situation if something goes wrong.

Don’t #3: Pay deposits without receipts

It might feel awkward to ask, but always request a proper receipt for your deposit. This creates a paper trail and protects you if there’s ever a dispute. If an agent insists on a cash-only payment with no paperwork, that’s a major red flag.

Don’t #4: Forget about exit conditions

Moving out can be just as stressful as moving in, especially if your lease has strict conditions. Some landlords require professional cleaning, repainting, or notice periods that are longer than expected. Clarify these upfront so you don’t end up with surprise bills at the end of your lease.

Don’t #5: Underestimate renewal and notice periods

Most tenancy agreements require at least 2 months’ notice before the lease ends. Miss this deadline and you could find yourself scrambling for a new place. Worse still, you might find yourself automatically extending a lease you no longer want. Mark the dates in your calendar the moment you sign.

 

Conclusion

Renting in Singapore can feel daunting, but a little preparation goes a long way. Know your rights, check the fine print, and don’t be shy about asking questions before you commit.

Keep these do’s and don’ts in mind, and you’ll avoid the common traps like dodgy landlords and hidden costs while finding a place that truly works for you. 

 

This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.