Many times, we as tenants are not thorough and proactive enough in asking questions to our landlords before signing any rental agreements. Especially in Singapore, a “fine” city of many different laws and regulations for different types of properties (HDBs, condos, houses or apartments), it definitely pays to do your homework first. Our advice - better to take the trouble of clarifying early, than to be met with trouble only after you’ve paid your rent or settled in. Not too sure what to ask? You can start with the these guiding questions –
Rent
- How much is the monthly rent?
- When, to whom and by what mode of payment must rent be paid? Is a late fee charged?
- Do I have pay additional fees for electricity, gas, water, parking, air-conditioning, Internet access, cable TV, garbage collection, facilities or repairs of any kind? (Note: Apartment buildings may charge for offering security/cleaning services and usage of facilities.)
If there’s (going to be) more than one tenant living in the place
- How many of us (tenants) may rent this apartment?
- May each roommate pay his/her rent separately?
Security Deposits
- How much is the security deposit and when must I pay?
- Is the deposit refundable?
Lease Applications
- How long is the lease term? (HDB flat rental leases must be a min of 6 months!)
- Will a fee be charged with my lease application?
Lease Obligations
- Who are the landlord(s) and what are their addresses?
- What rules and regulations must I adhere to after signing the lease?
- Will my rent payments have to be guaranteed? If so, why and by whom?
Lease Termination/Renewal
- When and in what form must I provide notice for early lease renewal/termination?
- If the lease automatically terminates, will I have the first right to renew it?
Subletting & Hosting of Visitors
- May I sublet the place if I move out before my lease is over?
- Must you approve of the person taking over my lease?
- Am I allowed to have visitors at the apartment for any amount of time? If so, for how long?
Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive, nor is it entirely necessary! Most landlords would provide majority of this crucial information on the property advert or in the Tenancy Agreement. Also feel free to check out our article A Guide for Landlords to prepare you in answering the questions you might receive during your rental hunt =)
The Nestia Team wishes you a successful rent in Singapore!
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