Singapore Renter's Checklist — Joanne Low
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Singapore Renter's Checklist

For HDB & private property rentals in Singapore · 2026 Edition

Joanne Low

CEA Reg. No. R062312E

Huttons Asia Pte Ltd

+65 9068 0046

Property Details

1 — Verify Before You Pay Anything

Verified landlord owns the property via title deed or SLA title search (my.sla.gov.sg)
For HDB: received and verified HDB approval letter to rent out the flat
Confirmed HDB flat has fulfilled MOP (Minimum Occupation Period)
For condo: checked MCST by-laws for subletting restrictions
Confirmed ethnic quota availability (HDB only — affects certain nationalities)
Confirmed eligibility to rent HDB if on work pass (income threshold met)
Have NOT paid any deposit before completing the above

2 — Tenancy Agreement Checklist

Diplomatic clause included (early termination after 12 months with 2 months' notice)
Renewal terms stated — rent cap or renewal rent agreed in writing
Reinstatement clause reviewed — fair wear and tear exclusions negotiated
Maintenance responsibility split confirmed (landlord vs tenant threshold: S$______)
Aircon servicing responsibility stated (who arranges and pays)
Subletting rights confirmed if needed
Pet clause included if applicable
Inventory list attached and signed by both parties
Tenancy agreement stamped within 14 days of signing (tenant pays stamp duty)
Copy of stamped TA kept by both parties

Stamp duty estimate: For a $4,000/month, 2-year lease: ~$240. Calculate at the IRAS stamp duty calculator. Must be paid within 14 days of signing.

3 — Security Deposit

Deposit amount matches agreed lease duration (1 month per year)
Receipt obtained for deposit payment
Full photo and video walkthrough completed on move-in day
Written inventory list signed by both landlord and tenant
All existing damage, stains, and defects documented
All missing or non-functioning items noted before move-in

4 — Unit Condition at Viewing

All aircon units cool properly
Aircon — no dripping or unusual noise
Aircon servicing date confirmed with landlord
Water pressure — all bathrooms and kitchen
Hot water — all bathrooms
All electrical outlets tested
All light switches working
Fridge, washer, dryer tested
All windows open and close properly
All grilles and door locks functional
Internet / fibre access confirmed
Mobile signal checked throughout
Car park lot confirmed (if applicable)
No unusual odours or visible water damage

5 — Total Move-in Costs

First month's rent
Security deposit
Stamp duty on TA
Agent commission (if applicable)
Utility deposit (SP Group) ~$40–200
Internet setup
Other (moving costs, etc.)
Total Move-in Cost

6 — Red Flags (Walk Away If Any Apply)

Landlord refuses to show title deed or HDB approval letter
Asked to pay deposit before viewing or before TA is signed
Rent is significantly below comparable market listings
Landlord overseas and requesting overseas bank transfer
No written tenancy agreement offered
Listing photos look very different from actual unit condition
Landlord unwilling to do a signed inventory walkthrough

Notes

Important Disclaimer

This checklist is provided for general planning and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and must not be relied upon as such. HDB rules, ethnic quota policies, eligibility criteria, and IRAS stamp duty rates are subject to change by the relevant Singapore authorities. Your individual circumstances — including nationality, pass type, and unit type — affect which rules apply to you.

Verify all requirements directly with HDB, IRAS, or your conveyancing lawyer before entering into any tenancy agreement. Joanne Low (CEA Reg. No. R062312E, Huttons Asia Pte Ltd) is a licensed real estate salesperson and is not a lawyer. Nothing in this checklist creates a client-agent relationship. Information correct as at 2026 — subject to change.

joannelowsg.sg · hello.joannelow@gmail.com

Joanne Low · +65 9068 0046

wa.me/6590680046