Dear Valued Clients,
You may need to select an agent to service you. .Optional, but recommended. An good professional agent will not only help you to find the right property, but also ensure you get the right location & price, ensure all small details are covered prior to renting, guide you through the documentation process and taking & handing over of property.Find one who is familiar with the location and type of property you have in mind. Discuss your requirements with him and be specific. This will allow him to advise and service you in a professional manner..
Decide beforehand on a few likely locations that you’d like to live in. Take into account things like the distance to work places, schools, transportation and places that you visit frequently with your family’s lifestyle in mind.Deciding on the right location is very important and it will determine the convenience for you and your family. Price – Budgeting yourself will also evaluate the size areas of the apartments or houses that are suitable for you.You should be cosidering the following factors when renting a house in Singapore.
a)Size
How large a home do you need? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you need a private enclose space or a garden for your children to play?
b) Facilities
Would you like the advantage of a swimming pool, tennis courts and other condominium type facilities? Or, would you prefer to join a recreation club and enjoy a wider variety of leisure?
c)Amenities
Are shops, banks, and markets within a short distance away?
d)Duration of Lease Normally landlord prefer the lease period to be at least 12 months or more.
e) Furnishing
Do you need the house to be fully furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished?
f) Budget
Once you’ve decided on a location and size of home that you’d like, think about how much you’ll be willing to spend. Bear in mind other monthly expenses that come with renting a home eg. utilities and telephone charges.
Ownership
Always ensure that the Landlord is the actual owner of the property. You may wish to request for proof when you are making the rental.
Eligibility to Rent – HDB Flats
Whole Flat : HDB flat owners who wish to sublet their whole flat must seek approval from the HDB Branch Office managing the flat before subletting their flat.
Bedrooms : The number of bedrooms which flat owners can sublet and the maximum number of occupiers* allowed in each flat depends on the flat type.
Flat Type Maximum Number of Bedrooms
Allowed for Subletting Maximum Number of Occupiers*
Allowed in Each Flat
3-room 1 bedroom 6 persons
4-room 2 bedrooms 8 persons
5-room 2 bedrooms 8 persons
Executive 2 bedrooms 8 persons
*include owners, authorised occupiers and subtenants
Owners of 1 and 2-room flats are not allowed to sublet bedrooms.
Viewing Etiquette
Once you have decided on the type of home to rent, your agent will arrange for you to view all available homes matching your criteria. Bring a small notebook and take notes for later comparison. Put down the positive and negative points about the property. This will help you make an informed decision later. Be punctual for viewing appointments. Dress casually but smartly.
Before you enter any prospective home, always take note of the surrounding areas. Don’t forget, you can always redecorate the interior of a home but there’s no way you can change the surroundings! Also, don’t be distracted by a home that looks just the way you would have liked, get carried away and forget to check for things like cracked tiles and fittings that don’t work.
Avoid making any negative comments if the landlord are present to avoid offending them. Always try and make a friend. Remember, you may decide to rent their home after all .
Making an Offer Once you find a home that you like, discuss with your agent with regards to the asking and market price for the property. Compare that property with those that you have viewed. Refer to your notes about the property. Your agent should be able to help you to decide on an offer price.
Remember, you’re not the only one looking around for a home. By all means don’t rush into making a hasty decision but, if you don’t decide soon, some one else will! And above all, always remember that no matter how many homes you look at, there’s no way they’re going to be 100% perfect. It’s best to have an open mind and be prepared to adjust your expectations a little.
After negotiating the rental with the landlord on your behalf and upon reaching an agreement,the landlord’s agent will then prepare the necessary documents for you such as the Letter of Intent and Tenancy Agreement.
a) Documentation
After you have decided to rent your ideal property and you will need to prepare the following:
- Photocopied passport
- Photocopied employment pass
- One month’s rental for the good faith deposit
b) Letter of Intent
The Letter of Intent, LOI for short, is a letter proposing your intention to lease the property. It will also state your requirements to the landlord. You should take note of the following:
1. Diplomatic Clause
This clause is to safe-guard you in the event that your employment is ceased or you are transferred to another country such that you can terminate the lease after 12 months by giving 2 months notice. Thereafter, the security deposit will be refunded to you. Please note that most landlords will only include the diplomatic clause if the lease is more than a year.
2. Good faith Deposit
This is the booking deposit; usually the amount is one month’s rent. After the landlord signed the Letter of Intent and accept this deposit, he cannot rent the property to other party. This deposit will become part of the security deposit or advance rental after the Tenancy Agreement is signed.
3. Security Deposit
The amount of the security deposit is usually stated in the Letter or Intent. The standard practice in Singapore is usually one month’s rent for every year of lease. It will only be payable upon signing of the Tenancy Agreement. When the lease term ends, the deposit will be refunded without interest. However, the landlord reserves the right to deduct from the deposit all costs and expenses arising from the tenant for breaching any of the covenants stated in the Tenancy Agreement.
4. Term of Lease
In Singapore, the standard lease period is more than 1 year, with or without an option to renew the lease. The lease renewal is usually for another 1 to 2 years. For the lease renewal option, the landlord would normally require that you give 2 or 3 months’ advance notice of your intention to renew. Most landlords will not accept leases that are less than 1 year.
5.Your Requirements
Ensure that all your requirements and requests are clearly stated in the Letter of Intent. For example, such as requesting a new sofa, new bed or new washing machine etc. After the landlord had signed the Letter of Intent, he is bound by the Letter to provide you the requests.
Tenancy Agreement
After the Letter of intent is duly signed, the landlord’s agent will prepare the Tenancy Agreement. Any legal fees incurred for the drawing up of the agreement is usually borne by the tenant. However, if the landlord’s agreement is acceptable, there will usually not be any legal fees involved. You will need to prepare the rest of the security deposit and advance rental upon signing of the Tenancy Agreement.
* For 1 year lease – 1 month’s deposit and 1 month’s advance rental.
* For 2 years lease – 2 month’s deposit and 1 month’s advance rental.
Taking Over the Property
The landlord will prepare an Inventory List on or before the day of handing over. Check the items listed in the inventory. Check all electrical appliances, air-con, lightings, water heater etc. If there is anything unsatisfactory, do not panic; note it down on the inventory. Even brand new houses have defects, therefore be understanding and allow the landlord to rectify it within a reasonable period.
Thereafter, enjoy your stay at a new home!!!
Still have doubt?? Call me now..
You may need to select an agent to service you. .Optional, but recommended. An good professional agent will not only help you to find the right property, but also ensure you get the right location & price, ensure all small details are covered prior to renting, guide you through the documentation process and taking & handing over of property.Find one who is familiar with the location and type of property you have in mind. Discuss your requirements with him and be specific. This will allow him to advise and service you in a professional manner..
Decide beforehand on a few likely locations that you’d like to live in. Take into account things like the distance to work places, schools, transportation and places that you visit frequently with your family’s lifestyle in mind.Deciding on the right location is very important and it will determine the convenience for you and your family. Price – Budgeting yourself will also evaluate the size areas of the apartments or houses that are suitable for you.You should be cosidering the following factors when renting a house in Singapore.
a)Size
How large a home do you need? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you need a private enclose space or a garden for your children to play?
b) Facilities
Would you like the advantage of a swimming pool, tennis courts and other condominium type facilities? Or, would you prefer to join a recreation club and enjoy a wider variety of leisure?
c)Amenities
Are shops, banks, and markets within a short distance away?
d)Duration of Lease Normally landlord prefer the lease period to be at least 12 months or more.
e) Furnishing
Do you need the house to be fully furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished?
f) Budget
Once you’ve decided on a location and size of home that you’d like, think about how much you’ll be willing to spend. Bear in mind other monthly expenses that come with renting a home eg. utilities and telephone charges.
Ownership
Always ensure that the Landlord is the actual owner of the property. You may wish to request for proof when you are making the rental.
Eligibility to Rent – HDB Flats
Whole Flat : HDB flat owners who wish to sublet their whole flat must seek approval from the HDB Branch Office managing the flat before subletting their flat.
Bedrooms : The number of bedrooms which flat owners can sublet and the maximum number of occupiers* allowed in each flat depends on the flat type.
Flat Type Maximum Number of Bedrooms
Allowed for Subletting Maximum Number of Occupiers*
Allowed in Each Flat
3-room 1 bedroom 6 persons
4-room 2 bedrooms 8 persons
5-room 2 bedrooms 8 persons
Executive 2 bedrooms 8 persons
*include owners, authorised occupiers and subtenants
Owners of 1 and 2-room flats are not allowed to sublet bedrooms.
Viewing Etiquette
Once you have decided on the type of home to rent, your agent will arrange for you to view all available homes matching your criteria. Bring a small notebook and take notes for later comparison. Put down the positive and negative points about the property. This will help you make an informed decision later. Be punctual for viewing appointments. Dress casually but smartly.
Before you enter any prospective home, always take note of the surrounding areas. Don’t forget, you can always redecorate the interior of a home but there’s no way you can change the surroundings! Also, don’t be distracted by a home that looks just the way you would have liked, get carried away and forget to check for things like cracked tiles and fittings that don’t work.
Avoid making any negative comments if the landlord are present to avoid offending them. Always try and make a friend. Remember, you may decide to rent their home after all .
Making an Offer Once you find a home that you like, discuss with your agent with regards to the asking and market price for the property. Compare that property with those that you have viewed. Refer to your notes about the property. Your agent should be able to help you to decide on an offer price.
Remember, you’re not the only one looking around for a home. By all means don’t rush into making a hasty decision but, if you don’t decide soon, some one else will! And above all, always remember that no matter how many homes you look at, there’s no way they’re going to be 100% perfect. It’s best to have an open mind and be prepared to adjust your expectations a little.
After negotiating the rental with the landlord on your behalf and upon reaching an agreement,the landlord’s agent will then prepare the necessary documents for you such as the Letter of Intent and Tenancy Agreement.
a) Documentation
After you have decided to rent your ideal property and you will need to prepare the following:
- Photocopied passport
- Photocopied employment pass
- One month’s rental for the good faith deposit
b) Letter of Intent
The Letter of Intent, LOI for short, is a letter proposing your intention to lease the property. It will also state your requirements to the landlord. You should take note of the following:
1. Diplomatic Clause
This clause is to safe-guard you in the event that your employment is ceased or you are transferred to another country such that you can terminate the lease after 12 months by giving 2 months notice. Thereafter, the security deposit will be refunded to you. Please note that most landlords will only include the diplomatic clause if the lease is more than a year.
2. Good faith Deposit
This is the booking deposit; usually the amount is one month’s rent. After the landlord signed the Letter of Intent and accept this deposit, he cannot rent the property to other party. This deposit will become part of the security deposit or advance rental after the Tenancy Agreement is signed.
3. Security Deposit
The amount of the security deposit is usually stated in the Letter or Intent. The standard practice in Singapore is usually one month’s rent for every year of lease. It will only be payable upon signing of the Tenancy Agreement. When the lease term ends, the deposit will be refunded without interest. However, the landlord reserves the right to deduct from the deposit all costs and expenses arising from the tenant for breaching any of the covenants stated in the Tenancy Agreement.
4. Term of Lease
In Singapore, the standard lease period is more than 1 year, with or without an option to renew the lease. The lease renewal is usually for another 1 to 2 years. For the lease renewal option, the landlord would normally require that you give 2 or 3 months’ advance notice of your intention to renew. Most landlords will not accept leases that are less than 1 year.
5.Your Requirements
Ensure that all your requirements and requests are clearly stated in the Letter of Intent. For example, such as requesting a new sofa, new bed or new washing machine etc. After the landlord had signed the Letter of Intent, he is bound by the Letter to provide you the requests.
Tenancy Agreement
After the Letter of intent is duly signed, the landlord’s agent will prepare the Tenancy Agreement. Any legal fees incurred for the drawing up of the agreement is usually borne by the tenant. However, if the landlord’s agreement is acceptable, there will usually not be any legal fees involved. You will need to prepare the rest of the security deposit and advance rental upon signing of the Tenancy Agreement.
* For 1 year lease – 1 month’s deposit and 1 month’s advance rental.
* For 2 years lease – 2 month’s deposit and 1 month’s advance rental.
Taking Over the Property
The landlord will prepare an Inventory List on or before the day of handing over. Check the items listed in the inventory. Check all electrical appliances, air-con, lightings, water heater etc. If there is anything unsatisfactory, do not panic; note it down on the inventory. Even brand new houses have defects, therefore be understanding and allow the landlord to rectify it within a reasonable period.
Thereafter, enjoy your stay at a new home!!!
Still have doubt?? Call me now..
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