Frequently Asked Questions - Renting House / Room

Frequently Asked Questions - Renting House / Room

** What do I need to look for in renting property ?

Before you start, ask yourself what are the priority requirements.

1.) Age - New properties usually have better fittings / fixtures ...
2.) Facilities - Furniture, cable-ready, internet ...
3.) Location - Near your office, shops and markets, MRT, bus stop, school ...
4.) Environment - Greeneries, relexed, city living ...
5.) Size of property ...
6.) Number of bedrooms ...
7.) Open area - Garden, porch, patio or balcony ...
8.) Budget - How much are you prepared to pay for the rental ?

** Should I use a property agent’s service ?

While you probably will need to pay commision for the service, housing agents might save you money in the end. As they have database of rental property, they can provide you with property that suits your needs best. Besides, they can save you from many legal woes arising from improper leasing procedure.

** Price Guide

The rental rate varies widely depending on factors like type of property, location, property age, facilities, etc ... Please take into account maintenance and utilities bill too. Know before hand whether you will foot the bill or included in the rental, and put it into the leasing agreement.

- Room rental starts from $250 for a common room in HDB up to $1,200 for room in a condominium.

- Rental for a HDB flat range from $1000 to around $2600.

- For private apartment or condominium, monthly rental rates may start from S$1,500 to S$6,000.

- A landed property ( bungalow/terrace/semi-detached house ) can cost S$3,000 onwards.

** What other factor do I need to find out about ?

Landlords

Bad landlords will complicate your lifestyle when both of you could not reach an agreement on maintenances, repairs, etc in your new home. Bad landlords will also delay the repairs or requests that will create unnecessary frustration.

Good housing agents will provide information about the landlords. It is also important for you to personally meet the landlords before signing the leasing contract. You can judge their conduct and know them better. Properties for lease from well established developers are recommended.

** What is the procedure for renting a room/house ?

Once you have identified a suitable rental offer, contact the house owner for viewing. If you are keen to rent the place, make sure that all verbal agreements with the house owner are confirmed in writing in a lease / tenancy agreement. Do not sign the lease agreement until you have read and understood the terms stated in the agreement.

Usually a deposit equivalent to one month’s rental is payable. This deposit is not refundable should you subsequently reject the room. This deposit is refundable at the end of the tenancy provided the room / apartment, fixtures and fittings are returned to the owner in good condition, allowing for fair wear and tear. First month’s rental is usually required. Hence, you may need to make an upfront payment equivalent to 2 months rental in the first instance. Make sure that all payments made are supported by receipts.

** How much commision do I have to pay to the housing agent for apartment or room rental ?

Rental of HDB Flats and Rooms :

Landlord
- One month’s gross rental for lease between 12 months to 24 months, and an additional half a month’s gross rental for every subsequent 12 months’ lease or less.
- Half of a month’s gross rental for less than 12 months' lease.

Tenant
- Half of a month’s gross rental for less than 12 months' lease.
- One month’s gross rental for lease between 12 months to 24 months.

For other properties :

Landlord
- One month’s gross rental for lease between 12 months to 24 months, and an additional half a month’s gross rental for every subsequent 12 months’ lease or less.
- Half of a month’s gross rental for less than 12 months' lease.

Tenant
- Half of a month’s gross rental, only if monthly rental is less than $2,500

Please refer to the Institute of Estate Agents website at http://www.iea.org.sg/ for IEA’s recommended commission guidelines on lease of Housing and Development Board ( HDB ) rooms / flats, private apartments.

The issue of commission should be sorted out before entering into a lease agreement. If it is agreeable to both the house owner and tenant, it becomes binding once it is stated in the lease agreement.

** Will house owners lease their apartment / room for a short period of stay ?

It is more difficult to obtain short term leases. Usually lease agreements are for duration of at least 6 months. Most house owners would prefer a lease of 1 or 2 years.

** What do I do in the event of any dispute over claims with the house owner ?

It is advisable that you attempt to negotiate a settlement with the house owner in the first instance. Ask your housing agent for mediation help. If this is not resolved, you may contact the People’s Association ( at 6344 8222 ) for information on Community Clubs which operate legal clinics if you need free legal advice.

Thanks for your reading,
Hoping those tips are useful for you.

Regards

Wingcent Ning
ATG (ECG Property)
(+65) 8163 6290
wingcent@singnet.com.sg
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