Tenants have specific rights under the law that protect them from rogue landlords, unsafe fixtures and fittings and rental fraud. Before you sign a contract with a rental agent or a landlord, make sure you know what you're entitled to, how much deposit you have to pay and what conditions are attached to your rental agreement.
2. Set a budget
Make sure that you only look at rental properties that you can afford, and remember to include all the additional payments you will need to make, such as:
- Water rates/meter - Electricity and Gas bills - Council tax - Phone and broadband connections - Parking
Ask your agent about all the additional costs associated with the properties you are viewing so that you're not taken by surprise when the bills start coming in.
3. Ask the right questions
It is important that you're fully aware of the landlord and agent's responsibilities and that you know what procedure to follow when something goes wrong at your rental property. Make sure you have a range of contact details and that you know who to call first. Check what, if any, responsibilities you have for general maintenance of the property and its gardens, whether you're allowed to paint the property and whether the landlord allows things like pets or smoking. These are all important questions and you should know that answers to them before you sign up.
4. Have a checklist
When you view a property, take a checklist of the things that are important to you so that you can note the pros and cons of each place that you view. This will help you to distinguish one property from another later on, but also ensures that you don't forget to note any of the things that could make the difference between a great rental property and a flop. Questions could include:
- What are the parking arrangements? - Is it noisy at night? - Is it close to public transport links? - Is it close to schools? - Does the heating work properly?
These may seem like basic questions, but it's often the basic things that annoy us most when they go wrong.
5. Agents and contracts
Make sure that you choose a reputable agent who is experienced and affiliated to a recognised professional body. Then check out the contract and make sure that it includes everything you need and that there are no vague clauses that you don't understand. If there's something in the contract that you're not sure about, ask your agent to clarify it. If it makes you feel more comfortable, get a solicitor to check out your contract or take it to a consumer advice centre.
1. Is there any agency fee or commission if I engage EastLiving.com.sg or any other realtor in Singapore for my housing search, documentations and other assistance?
Yes and No. If the rental amount of the apartment / house you are renting is above $2,500, no agency fees will be payable by the tenant. If the rental amount is exactly $2,500 or less, the fee payable will be half a month's rent and above, depending on the lease duration.
2. Are there any other fees or expenses that I need to pay after I have signed the Tenancy Agreement?
Stamp duty fee, TV licence, deposit for Power Supply, Cable TV, Internet, etc.
Computation of the stamp duty fee is as follows:
ONE YEAR LEASE OR LESS
(rental amount x 12) / 250 and round up to the nearest dollar + $2 for duplicate copy
MORE THAN ONE YEAR to LESS THAN THREE YEARS LEASE
(rental amount x 12) / 250, round up to the nearest dollar and multiply by 2 + $2 for duplicate copy
MORE THAN THREE YEARS LEASE
(rental amount x 12) / 250, round up to the nearest dollar and multiply by 4 + $2 for duplicate copy
Deposit for Power Supply (electricity, water, gas) is usually around $300 for apartments and houses, $500 for bungalows. Please note that the deposit will only be payable when u receive your first bill. Other services like Cable TV or Internet will depend on the different type of packages that you have applied. TV licence is $110 a year and is payable by the Tenant.
3. What is stamp duty and why is it necessary?
In Singapore, Tenancy Agreement will need to be stamped by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore. Only after the Tenancy is stamped, can it be considered a valid contract and submitted as evidence in court for any disputes that may arise in the future with your landlord. This is to protect the interest of both parties.
4. How do I apply for Power Supply, home telephone line, Singapore Cable Vision (SCV) and TV licence?
Power Supply - Your realtor will apply for you. Documents needed - signed application form, photocopied passport, employment pass and the signed Tenancy Agreement.
Home telephone line - You need to go to Comcentre at Killiney Road personally if this is the first time you are applying for a line. Documents needed - original passport, employment pass and the signed Tenancy Agreement for verification. For existing customers, you can apply online at http://www.singtel.com.
Cable TV or Singapore Cable Vision (SCV) - You can apply online at http://starhub.com or http://singtel.com.
TV licence - TV licence can be paid at any Singapore Post Office. Documents needed - photocopied passport, employment pass and the signed Tenancy Agreement.
5. We have been told there are extra costs to watch for apart from the monthly rental. What are they?
As with any costs, as long as you are aware of them before hand, they are easier to manage. It's the "invisible" ones that catch people unaware. Beyond the monthly rental, you will have to pay your utilities bill (electricity, water etc.) Water costs are low - on average about $30 per month but electricity can be high if air conditioning is used often. The average electricity bill for a 3 bedroom apartment can range between S$100 to 200 per month but can be substantially higher if you stay in a large house or turn on the air-conditioning all the time. You are also usually responsible for the regular servicing of your air-conditioning units in your home (this will be indicated in your Tenancy Agreement). Other possible bills include maid's salary - from $350 upwards per month plus Government levy of $345 per month. If you rent a house with garden your extra costs may (unless included in the monthly rental) be a Gardener - average $350 per month. Pool cleaning services are an average of $150 per month. Pest Control is something you may also wish to consider on a monthly basis if you have a garden - average $100 per month. If you choose to live in an apartment / condominium the rental will include cost of services such as maintenance of facilities.
Both Scott Pinkham & Stuart Chng are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Scott Pinkham has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate. Scott Pinkham is an established letting agent, based in Northampton, UK. For more information, visit our website on . Scott Pinkham's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Stuart Chng has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Buyers Guide, Advertising Guide and Real Estate. The writer is the founder of www.EastLiving.com.sg. Daily Singapore property news updates are available on . Stuart Chng's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.