Rental Lease Timeline & Key Milestones (Singapore 2026)

Viewing to Offer · 1–3 days

• —Shortlist units, compare against comparable listings on PropertyGuru and 99.co
• —Negotiate rent and confirm inclusions — furniture, appliances, carpark
• —Negotiate key TA clauses before any money changes hands

Letter of Intent (LOI) · Optional

• —Tenant pays 1 month good faith deposit to secure the unit
• —LOI states proposed rent, lease start date, and agreed key terms
• —Landlord takes unit off the market upon receiving the LOI deposit
• —If landlord backs out — good faith deposit is refunded in full
• —If tenant backs out — good faith deposit is forfeited

Tenancy Agreement Signed · Within 1–2 weeks of LOI

• —Balance of security deposit paid on signing (good faith deposit converts to part of security deposit)
• —Both parties sign — each keep a copy
• —Confirm all negotiated clauses are reflected in writing before signing

Stamp Duty · Within 14 days of signing

• —Paid by tenant to IRAS via the e-Stamping portal
• —Late payment incurs a penalty — do not miss this deadline
• —Keep the stamped TA — it is a legally enforceable document

Handover Day

• —Conduct full video and photo walkthrough of every room, wall, appliance, and fixture with landlord present
• —Sign the inventory list — both parties keep a copy
• —Test every item on the inventory list before landlord leaves — aircon, appliances, outlets, locks
• —Collect all keys, access cards, and carpark transponder — confirm the exact number of each
• —Note all existing defects in writing and send to landlord via WhatsApp immediately

First Week Admin

• —Set up utilities under your name with SP Group
• —Set up internet — confirm provider availability before move-in
• —HDB only: Landlord must register all tenants with HDB within 7 days — confirm this has been done via HDB MyHDBPage

If Renewing

• —Give notice of renewal intent per the TA — typically 1–2 months before expiry
• —Negotiate new rent — if no cap was agreed, landlord can set market rate
• —New TA or renewal letter to be signed and stamped

If Vacating

• —Give written notice to vacate per the TA (typically 2 months for a standard lease)
• —For diplomatic clause early exit: written notice after month 12, 2 months' notice required
• —Verbal notice is not valid — always give notice in writing

2–4 Weeks Before Vacating

• —Arrange professional aircon cleaning if stipulated in TA
• —Arrange professional cleaning of the unit
• —Repair any damage beyond fair wear and tear

Move-Out Day

• —Joint walkthrough with landlord using the original signed move-in inventory list and photos
• —Any deductions must be agreed and itemised in writing — do not accept vague verbal deductions
• —Return all keys, access cards, and carpark transponder
• —Obtain written confirmation that all keys have been returned
• —Cancel utilities and internet accounts in your name

Deposit Return

• —Deposit typically returned within 14–30 days after move-out
• —Any deductions must be itemised — request in writing if not provided
• —Disputes can be taken to the Small Claims Tribunal for claims up to $20,000