A Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding document that clearly defines the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in a rental relationship, aiming to safeguard the rights of both parties. By reading a standard tenancy agreement template in Singapore, you can generally understand various issues that need to be considered when renting a house in Singapore.Click to obtain：TENANCY AGREEMENT TEMPLATE FOR LEASE OF HDB FLATSTENANCY AGREEMENT TEMPLATE FOR LEASE OF PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIESBasic Terms of a Tenancy AgreementA tenancy agreement should include information about the premises, particulars of the landlord and the tenant, rent/deposit, period of the tenancy, maintenance and repair obligations, and other terms. The following are the key components of a tenancy agreement:• The date the agreement is made on• Address of the premises• Particulars about landlord and tenant: Name / NRIC No. / Passport No. /FIN / UEN, Correspondence address• Particulars about occupier(s) permitted to reside• Period of the tenancy:At least 6 months for HDB flatsAt least 3 months for condos• Rent: Amount, payment schedule and payment modes• Deposit: a 2-month deposit is charged for a standard 2-year lease• Stamp duty fees: If the tenancy period is equal to or less than 4 years, the stamp duty is 0.4% of the total rent for the entire lease period, and it is typically borne by the tenant.• Minor Repair Clause• Defect Free Period• Diplomatic Clause• Inventory List/Property Condition ReportSpecial AttentionWhen renting in Singapore, some regulations may differ from those in China and require special attention.Defect-free PeriodWithin the first 30 days from the start of the tenancy agreement, the tenant may report any issues with the property in writing to the landlord. The landlord is responsible for repairing these issues, and the tenant does not bear the repair costs unless the damages are due to intentional acts or negligence by the tenant.Minor Repair ClauseAfter the Defect-Free Period, the tenant is responsible for minor repairs, which exclude major repairs such as structural repairs, electrical wiring, or plumbing (e.g., fixing leaks). For minor issues such as replacing light bulbs or repairing appliances, if the cost of a single repair for a specific item does not exceed the agreed minor repair limit, the tenant is responsible for arranging and paying for the repairs.Typical minor repair cost limits are:HDB flats: $150–$200Condos: $200–$300Luxury condos: $300–$1,000Such expenditure in excess of the indicated amount shall be borne by the Landlord provided such damage is not due to the negligence or willful default of the Tenant. For any repair or replacement that exceeds the indicated amount, the Tenant shall obtain the prior written consent of the Landlord to proceed with any such minor repair(s). The Landlord shall reimburse the Tenant for any costs in excess of the indicated amount.If an item breaks and cannot be repaired, the landlord is responsible for replacing it, provided that the damage was not caused by the tenant's negligence or willful act. The tenant is required to pay for the replacement cost as specified in the tenancy agreement. Any costs exceeding this amount will be borne by the landlord.The tenant is not allowed to carry out repairs that exceed the minor repair limit and request reimbursement without prior written consent from the landlord. If the tenant proceeds with repairs that would normally require the landlord to bear additional costs, without first obtaining the landlord's approval, the tenant will not have the right to request reimbursement for these costs.Maintenance of Air-conditionersThe Tenant must engage a qualified air-conditioning contractor to service and maintain the air-conditioning units installed at the premises, at least once every three (3) months at the expense of the Tenant and to ensure the units remain in a good and tenantable condition including the topping up of refrigerant if required, where the cost will be borne by the tenant. A copy of the service contract should be sent to the landlord within thirty (30) days after the start of the tenancy, and upon the termination of the lease, receipts for maintenance services must be provided as requested.For any faults, repairs, parts replacement, and chemical cleaning of the air-conditioning units (if necessary, except for excessive 24/7 usage), these should be the responsibility of the landlord. However, if the fault arises due to the tenant's negligence or failure to maintain the unit, the landlord is not liable, and the tenant will bear the full cost of the repairs.Diplomatic ClauseAfter completing the agreed-upon tenancy period (typically 12 months for a 2-year lease), if the tenant needs to leave Singapore due to reasons like job transfer, resignation, or other circumstances triggering this clause, the tenant may terminate the lease early by giving the landlord written notice 2 months in advance, or by paying a termination fee in lieu of the notice. The minimum lease term and the required notice period or termination fee amount should be specified in the tenancy agreement. When notifying the landlord, the tenant should provide relevant supporting documents such as proof of job transfer or resignation.It is important to note that the minimum stay required for this clause to take effect must include the notice period. For example, with a 2-year lease, the tenant must stay for at least 12 months before they can give the landlord a 2-month written notice to terminate the lease. In other words, the tenant must stay for at least 14 months (12 months plus the 2-month notice) in total to terminate the lease early.Additionally, once this clause takes effect, the tenant must compensate the landlord for the agency fee for the incomplete months, calculated proportionally. Both parties will then follow the move-out process as stipulated in the tenancy agreement, and the landlord will return the deposit to the tenant.Things to Note When Signing a Tenancy Agreement:The tenancy agreement typically includes an inventory list and property condition report. These are key documents that protect both parties, outlining the property's condition and the included items, and are used to resolve any disputes, particularly regarding the return of the deposit.Check the Tenancy Agreement. Ensure that you fully understand the nature and implications of the contract before signing. Both parties are free to negotiate the terms and conditions that will govern their contractual relationship when entering into a tenancy agreement.Check the Inventory List. The Inventory List should detail the quantity and condition of all furniture, fixture and fitting within the premises at the commencement of the tenancy. This Inventory List shall be prepared in duplicate and duly endorsed by the Landlord and the Tenant.Check the Property Condition Report. The tenant should conduct a property condition inspection on the day of taking possession, ideally together with the landlord or their agent. Any issues should be documented with photographs or video as necessary. The Property Condition Report must be confirmed and signed by both parties to be valid. Any condition defects discovered after the inspection may not be acknowledged by the landlord.During the tenancy period, you should comply with obligations as following:No Structural Alteration or AdditionThe tenant will not make or permit or suffer to be made any alteration or addition (structural or otherwise) to the premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Landlord.Hanging of Pictures or PaintingsThe tenant will not hack any holes or drive any nails or anything whatsoever into the walls or to bore any holes into the ceiling without the prior written consent of the Landlord except where the same is reasonably done to hang pictures or paintings in areas where it is possible to do so. If this is done, the Tenant shall ensure that all nails and hooks are to be removed, holes patched and touch-up paintwork applied to reinstate such alterations to their original state at the end of the Term.No Assignment or Subletting Without ConsentFor private residential properties, the tenant will not assign, sublet, or part with the possession of the premises or any part thereof to other persons without the written consent of the Landlord, which  shall not be unreasonably withheld in the case of a reputable and responsible tenant. If the Tenant is a company, there shall be no right to sublet the premises unless otherwise agreed to by the Landlord.No Unauthorised StorageThe tenant will not keep or permit to be kept on the Premises any materials of a dangerous or explosive nature.No Addition or Removal of LocksThe tenant will not alter, remove or add any lock or security device and/or accompanying keys, access cards or transponders without the prior written consent of the Landlord.No PetsThe tenant will not keep any dog, other animal, bird or pet on the premises without the prior written consent of the Landlord. Such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld but shall be subject to the rules and regulations of any government authorities.No smokingThe tenant will not smoke cigarettes, cigars or similar tobacco products inside the premises.Use of PremisesThe tenant will not do, or permit to be done in or upon the Premises any act or thing which may become a nuisance or annoyance to or in any way interfere with the quiet enjoyment of other adjoining occupiers, or give reasonable cause for complaint from the occupiers of neighbouring premises.No Illegal ActivitiesThe tenant will not use the Premises for any illegal purpose or activities of an improper nature.Viewing of PremisesDuring two (2) months immediately preceding the expiry or termination of the Term, and provided that the Landlord shall have given to the Tenant at least forty-eight (48) hours’ prior written notice, the Landlord or its authorized agents may enter and show the Premises to potential tenants or purchasers at reasonable times. The Tenant must cooperate and not unreasonably obstruct or refuse entry. If the Landlord intends to sell the property during the tenancy, the Tenant should also cooperate, and may not unreasonably prevent access. The tenancy agreement will take precedence over the sale; the new owner cannot demand the return of the property before the lease ends unless the previous owner included a clause for early termination due to sale in the tenancy agreement.Matters to Note When Moving OutAt the end of the Term ，the tenant must ：Return the Premises to a condition comparable with that at the commencement of the Term (fair wear and tear excepted). The Landlord may claim as damages, the costs and expenses incurred or likely to be incurred that result from a breach of Tenant’s obligations in the Tenancy Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Tenant shall deliver the said Premises to the Landlord after a joint inspection by both parties and/or their respective agents, and thereafter, save for such damage and/or defects ascertained at the said joint inspection, the Tenant shall not be liable to the Landlord nor shall the Landlord have any claim against the Tenant in respect of any other damage to the said Premises.When handing over, the following is expected:1.The Premises are thoroughly cleaned, including all cabinets, wardrobes, appliances, windows, lightings, furniture and fixtures. The tenant shall have all curtains professionally dry cleaned (at the Tenant’s expense) by a contractor and supply a receipt as evidence that the curtains have been dry cleaned.2.The Tenant’s belonging and other goods brought onto the Premises during the duration of the Term are removed. The Landlord shall have the right to remove and/or dispose of any belongings or other goods left behind by the Tenant.3.The Premises are in substantially the same condition as that at the commencement of the Agreement, save for fair wear and tear.4.The Tenant shall make good any damage to the Premises upon removal of any nails, screws, adhesive materials, fixtures or fittings.5.The Tenant shall furnish to the Landlord the receipts evidencing regular servicing and maintenance of the air-conditioners.6.The Tenant shall return all keys, access cards, user manuals, and other items listed in the inventory to the Landlord.In addition to the above , there are also clauses regarding rent arrears, deduction from the deposits, the legality of the tenant's immigration status, damages by inevitable cause, etc. Of course, the responsibilities and obligations of the landlord are also included. Before signing the tenancy agreement, it is necessary to carefully understand the details of the agreement to protect your own rights and interests.

If you are looking to rent a HDB flat/ bedroom from the open market, you can refer to the information here.Eligibility to rent a flat or bedroomCitizenshipYou must be any of the following to rent a flat or bedroom as a tenant:• Singapore Citizen• Singapore Permanent Resident• Non-citizen legally residing in Singapore who holds an Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, Student Pass, Dependant Pass, or Long-Term Social Visit Pass. The pass must have a validity period of at least 6 months as at the date of application by the flat owners:o Work Permit holders from the construction, marine, and process sectors must be Malaysians. Work Permit holders from the manufacturing sector must also be Malaysians if they are renting a whole HDB flato Tourists are not allowed to rent any HDB flat/ bedroomCompanies renting the flat or bedroom for your employees must ensure that the individuals meet our eligibility conditions for tenants.Tenancy and property ownership statusYou must not be a tenant of a public rental HDB flat or owner of other HDB flats unless you are:• Divorced/ legally separated. In this case, only 1 party can rent a HDB flat from another flat owner• A owner who is eligible to rent out your whole flat. However, you must rent out your own flat within a month, after you have rented an HDB flat from another flat ownerYou must not be the owner of an Executive Condominium unit where the 5-year minimum occupation period has not been met.GuidelinesProof of ownership of the flatYou should visit the flat you intend to rent and ensure that the person you are dealing with is the rightful owner of the flat. You can do so by requesting for documentary proof of the flat’s ownership.If you are renting the whole flat, ask the flat owner to show you the printout of HDB’s confirmation of his eligibility to rent out the flat. Flat owners may print the confirmation of their eligibility to rent out the flat from My HDBPage (log in with Singpass and go to: My Flat> Purchased Flat - Renting Out > Renting Out of Flat).HDB’s approval to rent out the flat or bedroomYou should ensure that the flat owner has our approval to rent out the flat or bedroom to you. You can ask the flat owner to show you a copy of the approval letter from us, and give you a copy of the terms and conditions of the approval for your reference. For rental of bedrooms, flat owners must continue to live in the flat during the rental period. To protect your interest, you should also include a condition in the rental contract to specify that the contract is valid only if the flat owner obtains our approval to rent out the flat or bedroom.In addition, you may ask the flat owner to provide you with the printout of HDB’s confirmation that you are a registered tenant. Flat owners can print HDB’s confirmation letter, after logging in with Singpass at https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BR12AWPortal, via the following steps:• Renting Out of Whole Flat > Enquiry on Tenants• Renting Out of Bedroom(s) > Enquiry on TenantsCheck if you have been included as an authorised tenantWhen flat owners apply for our approval to rent out the whole flat or their bedroom(s) with us, they must provide us with the particulars of their tenants. These particulars will be updated in our system within 2 days from the date of approval of the rental. Only authorised tenants are allowed to stay in the flat. You may use our e-Service to check if the flat owners have included you as an authorised tenant.Source: The Housing & Development Board (HDB)

HDB (Housing Development Board) builds and sells a variety of units to cater to different family sizes and budgets. All HDB flat types are meticulously designed to be functional, comfortable, and meet different housing needs.In addition, there are various units available for sale on the open market.The resale unit may not offer certain features, such as bomb shelters and master bedrooms with attached bathrooms.Source:①https://www.hdb.gov.sg②https://www.hdb.gov.sg/residential/buying-a-flat/finding-a-flat/types-of-flats1. 2-Room Flexi HDB FlatThere are two types of two-room flexi units: 1. Area of 36 square meters (387.5 square feet)2. Approximately 45 square meters (484.4 square feet). This HDB flat is suitable for budget-conscious and older homebuyers. Seniors aged 65 and above can choose to buy such properties, with leases ranging from 15 to 35 years (in increments of 5 years), which can be extended up to the age of 95 for the buyer and their spouse.HDB Functions:● One bedroom● One bathroom● Kitchen● Storage room and household shelter2. 3-room HDB flatsThe unit has an area of approximately 60 square meters (645.8 square feet) to 65 square meters (699.6 square feet) and features two bedrooms, one of which is the master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. This unit is suitable for small families with limited budgets.HDB Functions:● Two bedrooms● Kitchen● Living and dining area● Common bathroom● Clothes drying area● Storage room and household shelter3. 4-room HDB flatsThe unit has an area of approximately 90 square meters (968.8 square feet) to 93 square meters (1,001 square feet) and comes equipped with three bedrooms, one of which is the master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. This unit is suitable for expectant parents.HDB Functions:● Three bedrooms● Living and dining area● Kitchen● Common bathroom● Clothes drying area● Storage room and household shelter  4. Five-Room FlatThese HDB flats have an area of about 110 square meters (1184 square feet) to 112 square meters (1205 square feet) and are ideal for families with more members. They come with three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.HDB Functions:● Three bedrooms● Living and dining area● Kitchen● Common bathroom● Clothes drying area● Storage room and household shelter5. 3-Generation FlatTo cater to the housing needs of multi-generational families, HDB launched its first three-generation apartment type in Sengkang in 2013, which is the second most common type of HDB housing currently available and also the type with the most room types. Measuring 1,237.8 square feet (115 square meters), it includes a total of four bedrooms, with two of them having en-suite bathrooms.HDB Functions:● Four bedrooms● Living and dining area● Kitchen● Common bathroom● Clothes drying area● Storage room and household shelter6. Executive Flat (Apartment-style HDB)The unit has an area of 130 square meters (1,399.3 square feet) and is the largest among the HDB flats currently available. There are a total of three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. There is also a space that can be used as a study, and some units have a balcony.HDB Functions:● Living Area● Dining Area● Kitchen● Public Bathroom● Storage Room and household shelter  7. Private Executive Housing (DBSS)In 2005, the HDB launched private executive flats (Design, Build and Sell Scheme, or DBSS) units, which were public housing units built by private developers.HDB Functions:● Four bedrooms● Large living space● Public facilities such as a barbecue area and a multi-purpose sports field8. Double-Storey Apartment Terrace Houses (Executive Maisonette)A dual-storey apartment-type HDB is a type of HDB that is no longer being built and has been replaced by executive condominiums (ECs). Therefore, the supply of dual-storey apartment-type HDBs in Singapore is limited and mainly concentrated in mature towns such as Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Bedok, Bukit Panjang, Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Pasir Ris, Queenstown, Serangoon, and Sembawang.HDB Functions:● Two-story building● Large size● Equipped with three bathrooms● Balcony space9. "Jumbo flat""Premium" HDB units typically have an area of 1,339.6 square feet to 1,700 square feet (133.96 square meters to 170 square meters), as they are combinations of two three-bedroom or four-bedroom units. Therefore, such units at least consist of seven spacious rooms (at least larger than HDB units), and some "Premium" HDB apartments also come with a balcony.HDB Functions:● Large in size, up to 170 square meters● Spacious● Up to seven bedrooms● Balcony space10. HDB Terrace House (Terrace HDB)Terrace HDB flats were built by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) in the 1950s. A total of 285 terrace HDB flats were built in the Whampoa and Queenstown areas. Each one has approximately 84 square meters (900 square feet) of living space spread over two storeys.HDB Functions:● The same appearance and feel as a landed property● Approximately 84 square meters (900 square feet) of living space● Two-story design● Located in a prime location, near Queenstown and Whampoa, etc.

There have been many cases of rental scam in Singapore. According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), more than 430 related reports have been received from January to October this year, with losses exceeding SGD 2.7 million. This represents a significant rise in such cases. Many scams involve fake rental listings and impersonation of property agents, luring victims into paying deposits or rental fees without providing legitimate leases or properties.We have compiled common rental scams and how to recognize them for everyone to avoid falling prey.Rental Scam 1:  CEA Agent Impersonation ScamThe scammer puts up fake property listings online，then impersonates CEA-registered property agent by providing fake identity cards，business cards，and photos/videos of the rental property when the victim contacts them. Typically the property is described as highly attractive and the scammer tells the victim that the property is in high demand because househunters are in line to view it. The scammer then asks the victim to pay a deposit or a fee to make an appointment, cut the queue to view the unit, or secure the rental of the property. Once the victim believes the scammer and transfers money, the scammer ceases contact.The scammer steals information about listings and CEA-registered property agents’ identities to appear plausible，while communicates with the victim using a different mobile number, such as a foreign number. Some careful victim search for the scammer’s contact number on the CEA Public Register but the search does not yield any results. Then the scammer claims that the ‘new’phone number has not been updated in the CEA Public Register yet（In fact，changes in contact numbers by property agents are immediately reflected in the CEA Public Register）.In some cases，the scammer sends a copy of the lease agreement with the personal particulars of the purported property owner and asks for the victim’s  personal details. Many victims fall prey to scams like this.In another case, the scammer posts fake listings but tells the victim the advertised property is not available. Then, he introduces another property and arranges for the victim to view the unit in person with his “personal assistant”. When the victim decides to rent the unit and makes a payment，they are scammed.Rental Scam 2:  House Owner Impersonation ScamThe scammer rents a property using a fake identity，then contacts with the victim to arrange a house viewing ，impersonating the owner of the property. The victim agrees to rent the property and pays a deposit after signing the tenancy agreement. Then, the victim is ghosted by the scammer. When the victim goes back to the property, they find it left empty. After lodging a police report，they are told that the scammer has paid only 1 month’s rent to the real house owner and has defrauded four more victims as well.Rental Scam 3:  Recruiting Roommates ScamThe scammer posts on social media platforms claiming to be a tenant of a certain property who is looking for a shared roommate. The victim believes the scammer and transfers the deposit as required without attending a viewing. Then the scammer asks for more payment for various reasons and refuses to refund the deposit that has already been paid. When the victim finally realizes that something is wrong, the scammer deletes the post and disappears.We now already know how rental scams work in Singapore, and here is how to avoid falling prey as following.The first and most important thing is : do not transfer money to anyone before you attend a viewing. Always view the property with the CEA-registered property agent in person to ensure the property exists. Do not pay a deposit for viewing.Do your due diligence on the representing agent. In Singapore, all property agents must be registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) before they can facilitate property transactions. Go to CEA's Public Register and key in the phone number of the person you are dealing with, or the phone number advertised to verify the identity of the property agent. You should be careful even the phone number advertised can be found due to some impersonate CEA-registered agents using their personal information. Make sure to contact with the same phone number as the one found on CEA. When viewing a property, verify that the person you're dealing with matches the photo in the CEA website.Verify the identity of the property owner. Ask the agent for particulars of property owner and related proof such as documentary proof of flat ownership, HDB’s approval to rent out the HDB flat or bedroom，etc.  You are advised to only make direct payments to the property owner using verifiable payment modes such as crossed cheques and bank transfers. Check if the bank account belongs to the property owner.Be cautious about recruiting roommates. Verify the identity information of the recruiter, the lease agreement between them and the landlord, whether the landlord agrees to add roommates, whether other roommates agree, and so on.For new renters, it is recommended to get an agent on your behalf , which will be more secure. In Singapore the agents can be divided into landlord’s agent and tenant’s agent. For example, if you view a property online and contact the agents mentioned, these agents are the landlord’s agents. If the lease is reached, the agency fee is paid by the landlord and the tenant does not need to pay. But if you don't want to look for houses one by one or you are not familiar with the process, you can entrust an agent to help you find a house. You just need to list your demands and budget. In this case, the agent who helps you is your tenant’s agent, and you need to pay the agency fee. Generally, 1-month’s rent is charged for a 2-year lease, and 0.5 month’s rent is charged for a 1-year or less lease.references：https://www.cea.gov.sg/consumers/rental-scams#howtostaysafehttps://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20241122-5381656https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/XKfcxxzNCjQGQA1VwbZxfAhttps://www.8world.com/singapore/rental-scam-malaysia-singapore-2605161

What eligibility criteria are required to purchase properties in Singapore? What are the options available? This article provides a quick overview of the basic policies for buying a property in Singapore.Different identities, Different choicesTo buy a property in Singapore, you need to first confirm your eligibility based on your residency status. Different statuses can purchase different types of property.Eligibility categories:1. Singaporean citizen2. Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)3. Foreigner (non-Singapore Citizen or PR)The differences are shown in the table belowSimply put, for HDB flat, at least one of the buyers must be a Singaporean citizen to purchase Built-to-order (BTO) flat; or Resale HDB flats are also available to couples who have become PR for at least three years.For Condominiums & apartments, everyone can purchase them.For landed house, In general, only Singapore citizen can buy it, and a few PRs can apply for approval from the government in special circumstances.There are a series of strict provisions for purchasing HDB flats (BTO or RESALE), including income caps, age restrictions, marital status, and ownership of other properties, in addition to nationality. Depending on your profile, you may have different options for HDB types including sizes, locations, standards, etc. Also, allowances, taxes, rental/sale provision, etc. are not the same. Specific policies can be viewed in relevant articles on the HouseBell website/app.Singapore citizen vs. PRSo, what’s the difference between Singaporean citizen and permanent resident?Singapore Citizens enjoy full rights, including political privileges and social benefits. PR is a kind of long-term residence permit. A PR is essentially a foreigner, whom allowed to live and work in Singapore for a long time. For example, a Chinese citizen who obtains a Singapore PR still holds Chinese nationality.Foreigners who apply for Singaporean PR or nationality need to meet some requirements, such as age, educational background, occupation, income, etc. You can get more information in related articles on housebell website/app.4 Categories of Property in SingaporePublic property: HDBHDB flats are public housing developed and managed by the Housing and Development Board of Singapore. The property rights belongs to the government, and the buyers only have long-term lease rights. More than 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats. Due to its welfare nature and more affordable price compared to other properties due to governement subsidies, they are subject to specific restrictions on purchasing, reselling, and renting.HDB flats are mainly divided into two types - BTO Flat (pre-sale /first-hand) and Resale Flat (second-hand). BTO Flats are only available for Singaporean citizens to apply for, and after meeting the minimum occupancy requirements, these houses can be sold as Resale Flats in the market.The government has launched a variety of HDB flats of different sizes and designs to meet different living needs.Public-Private Mix property : Executive Condominiums，ECEC is a fusion of private and public housing, built and sold by private developers, but more affordable because its land cost is partly subsidized by the government. The policy aims to help Singaporeans whose household income exceeds the BTO ceiling but is lower than the EC ceiling to own a housing at a lower price. EC can be sold to Singapore citizens or PRs after 5 years of owner-occupancy period, and after 10 years, they become fully privatized and can be sold on the open market, including to foreigners, effectively making them comparable to private condominiums.Non-landed property : Condominiums, ApartmentsThis type of housing is similar to commercial housing in China, with property rights of either freehold, 999-year or 99-year. The community is usually equipped with public facilities such as gym, swimming pool, tennis court, etc. The main difference between condominiums and apartments is the size of the land area. According to the Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), only estates with a minimum area of 4,000㎡ can be classified as condominiums. Condo usually provide more public facilities due to its larger size.Landed HouseLanded houses in Singapore are properties where owners hold both the building and the land. This housing type resembles "villas" in China. In principle, only Singapore citizens are eligible to purchase it，while foreigners are not permitted to own landed houses. PR can apply to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for approval based on the situation (whether they have made significant contributions to the social economy).For more information about property types in Singapore, please check the relevant articles on the HouseBell website/app. Wishing you success on your journey to buying a home in Singapore!

For those who have just come to Singapore, renting a house is a big deal. This article will comprehensively introduce various matters to know when renting in Singapore, including area selection, housing types, rental levels, and precautions, etc. to help you quickly and smoothly find suitable housing and start a wonderful new life!Regional division of SingaporeSingapore is divided into 28 postal districts. The places and landmarks corresponding to each area code are as follows:According to government planning, the entire island of Singapore can be divided into three parts: CCR (Core Central Region), RCR (Rest of Central Region), and ORC (Outside Central Region).Based on geographical location, Singapore can be divided into five regions: central，east, north-east, north, and west.• The Central Region includes the central and southern parts, with Central Business District (CBD), shopping center Orchard, and affluent areas like Bukit Timah. There are tourist areas such as Gardens by the Bay, Singapore River, Sentosa, etc. The northern part of the Central Region is connected to Marine Parade on the east coast which is Singapore's old money district, and the older generation of Singaporeans like to live here. Because it is close to the CBD and has a casual lifestyle, it is also the first choice for foreign families working in the CBD.• The East Region consists of Bedok, Paya Lebar, Tampines, Pasir Ris and Changi Airport areas. This area is close to the flight zone and has lower housing prices and more HDB flats, mainly serving commercial and industrial parks near the airport.• The commercial center of the West Region is Jurong East, which is referred to as Singapore's “second CBD.” Meanwhile, Singapore's two most famous top universities, NTU (Nanyang Technological University) and NUS (National University of Singapore), are located in the west, making leasing particularly active along the line from the West Coast to Clementi to Jurong West.• The Northern Region includes several major areas such as Sembawang, Woodlands, and Yishun, with a high density of HDB flats offering relatively affordable rents. The northern region is connected directly to Orchard Road, CBD, and Marina Bay by the Red Line Metro. Now the brown line (Thomson East Coast Line) has been opened from Woodlands, which can directly connect to the Botanic Gardens, Orchard, CBD, East Coast, and will directly reach Changi Airport in the future. In addition, Woodlands is a land gateway between Singapore and Malaysia, and the rent in this area is relatively low except houses around the famous school Singapore American School (SAS).• The Northeast Region mainly includes Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, Serangoon, Hougang, Punggol, and Seletar. Sengkang, Hougang and Punggol are densely populated with young people and new high-rise HDB flats, and are new areas in Singapore where population density has grown rapidly in recent years.Popular rental areas in SingaporeMost locals in Singapore do not rent houses, so the rental market mainly serves the migrants. CBD, CCR, etc. are expensive and suitable for high-income and high-net-worth families. Most middle-income earners choose the following places:• Tiong Bahru: Close to the CBD and the city center, with convenient transportation. There are many cafes , bars，restaurants, and a wide range of leisure and entertainment options, with a strong flavor of life and a fashionable and retro vibe.• Farrer Park / Little India: Close to CBD, with more employment and entertainment opportunities. The Indian population there is relatively dense, but it is still popular among young people.• Clementi: Close to educational institutions such as the National University of Singapore, offering convenient living and relatively reasonable rent. However, during the school opening season, this area is in a state of frenzy for housing demands.• Bishan: a transportation hub with abundant educational resources and convenient daily life.• Katong: Only a 15-minutes drive from the CBD, with a long coastline. You can go to the East Coast Park for picnics, barbecues, outdoor sports on weekends, balancing work and leisure. A nice choice for those who work in CBD.Those with middle and lower income can consider:• Paya Lebar / Eunos: Close to the CBD and Changi Business Park, with direct access to the city center and the airport via the Green Line metro. The rent in the area is relatively affordable while still ensuring an acceptable quality of life.• Sembawang: On the Red Line Metro, it is a 40-minutes drive from the city center without transferring, and is one of the areas with the lowest housing prices in Singapore.• Woodlands/Jurong West: There are many international schools in this area, so many foreign families with children studying there live here.Types of rental housing in SingaporeIn Singapore, housing can be divided into HDB flat, Condominium, landed house and other types according to factors such as the developer and the price. Ordinary people usually rent HDB flats or Condominiums. HDB flats are welfare housing built by the government, which are inexpensive and the first choice for most people. Condos have more facilities, generally including swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, barbecue pits, etc, and are much more expensive than HDB.Depending on the number of people and budget, you can choose to rent a whole house or a single room. In general, a higher budget means more choices and better living privacy. Otherwise, you will need to share the house with other roommates and also the bathroom and other public areas.Rental levels in SingaporeA single room*monthly rent in Singapore dollarsMaster Room: The master bedroom with a private bathroom.Common Room: The second bedroom, you may share a bathroom with other roommates.Maid Room: The smallest type, about 3-4 sqm, can only accommodate a single bed and a desk/wardrobe, and most of them have no windows.A whole house*monthly rent in Singapore dollarsThe above is only the approximate level of the rental market. The rent of specific properties may be higher or lower than this range due to factors such as location, age, furnishings, surrounding facilities, etc.Renting in SingaporeRenting processChoose a house - confirm the lease contract - pay the deposit and rent - pay the rental stamp dutyFees• Rent (Paid monthly)• Deposit (a 2-month deposit is charged for a standard 2-year lease)• Rental stamp duty (0.4% of the total rent during the total lease period)• Water, electricity, network fees (Whole-unit rentals require tenants to setup a water and electricity account and pay for it yourself. For a single room , fees generally included in the rent and the landlord will pay within the limit).• Air conditioning cleaning fee (the tenant is responsible for cleaning every 3 months for renting a whole house while the landlord is usually responsible for a rental single room ).• As for the agency fee, it depends cause the agents in Singapore can be divided into landlord agent and tenant agent. For example, if you view a property online and contact the agents mentioned, these agents are the landlord agents. If the lease is reached, the agency fee is paid by the landlord and the tenant does not need to pay. But if you don't want to look for houses one by one, you can entrust an agent to help you find a house. You just need to list your demands and budget. In this case, the agent who helps you is your tenant agent, and you need to pay the agency fee. Generally, 1 monthly rent is charged for a 2-year lease, and 0.5 monthly rent is charged for a 1-year or less lease.Lease termsAt least 6 months for HDB flats.At least 3 months for condos.Warranty periodThe landlord shall bear the cost of repairs and replacements within first 30 days of the lease (excluding artificial damage). Afterwards, it is according to the minor repair Clause stipulated in the contract. The tenant will be responsible for the amount within the stipulated limit, and the landlord will be responsible for the excess amount. The amount of minor repairs for a general HDB flat is $150-$200, for a condo $200-$300, and for a luxury condo $300-$1000.Minor Repair ClauseStandard contracts usually include minor repair clauses, which mainly stipulate that after the first 30 days of the warranty period, any repairs that occur to the house such as replacing light bulbs or breaking electrical appliances (excluding major repair projects such as structural repairs, circuit repairs, and water leakage repairs, etc.), will be handled with and paid by tenant themselves within the amount.If the repair quotation exceeds the minor repair amount, the tenant must first obtain the landlord's consent to the quotation before the repair can be carried out. The exceeding amount will be borne by the landlord. Remember, the repair procedure must be correct. Any place that requires the landlord to pay must be discussed with them first, otherwise the landlord has the right to refuse to pay.Additionally, the minor repair clause does not include air conditioning repairs. As long as the tenant regularly cleans the air conditioner every three months and does not intentionally overusing it, the landlord will be fully responsible for repairing and costs if the air conditioner malfunctions. It should be noted that in general the tenant is responsible for adding Refrigerant Gas to the air conditioner, and the landlord is responsible for the chemical cleaning of the air conditioner, except for situations where the tenant turns on the air conditioner 24/7.Termination of contract in advanceIn standard rental contracts in Singapore, there is no clause for early termination unless both parties agree to add it, meaning that terminating the contract early is not free and easy.There is a Diplomatic Clause in the contract, which generally applies to tenants obtaining an EP visa (Employment Pass). This clause refers to the option for tenants who leave Singapore due to job transfer after staying for at least 12 months (with official proof required) to notify the landlord 2 months in advance to terminate the contract. It must be noted that this clause requires a minimum of 14 months (12+2) of occupancy for a 2-year lease term, rather than mistakenly interpreting it as notifying the landlord in the 10th month and leaving after 12 months of occupancy.Check-Out Procedures Check out is the most contentious process between both parties, and the following points should be noted:• Tenants are required to have all malfunctions that occur during the lease term repaired, and to restore the walls, floors, furniture, etc. in accordance with the contract.• Tenants are required to provide the landlord with receipts or contracts for air conditioning cleaning every three months during the lease term, and the last cleaning must be done within one month before check-out.• Tenants need to dry clean (not wash ) all curtains before checking out, hire someone to do a professional cleaning of the entire house (note that cleaning by a hourly worker or self is not considered professional cleaning), and present relevant expense vouchers.• On the day of handing over keys, both the tenant and landlord will conduct a joint inspection. If there are any outstanding matters, the landlord has the right to deduct the corresponding amount from the deposit.• Additionally, it is important to note that the deposit cannot be used to offset the last month's rent, otherwise it will be considered a breach of contract and the landlord has the right to pursue further action.Particular attentionOccupancy Limits1-bedroom/2-bedroom HDB : maximum occupancy of 4 people per suite.3-bedroom HDB/Condo less than 90 sqm : maximum capacity of 6 people per suite.4 bedrooms and above HDB/ Condo more than 90 sqm : maximum capacity of 8 people per suite.Exceeding the limit on the number of occupants is illegal.Cooking restrictionsYou need to confirm the cooking clause that whether cooking is not allowed or can be done in small or large quantities.Air conditioner cleaning feeThe air conditioner needs to be cleaned every three months, at a cost of approximately $30 each. You should keep receipts properly because some landlords may check it when checking out. If the tenant fails to clean the air conditioner on time, even if the air conditioner is not damaged, the landlord has the right to deduct the relevant fees and request the tenant a deep air conditioner cleaning. If damage is caused, the tenant needs to pay the full amount for repairs.End of Lease ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities and obligations of both parties shall be subject to lease contract, and all matters related must be complied with. At the same time, pay attention to preserve evidence, such as carefully inspecting the house on the day of check-in, and promptly reporting any malfunctions to the landlord. When check out, these words in black and white，photos, and videos will be as evidence. Otherwise words will be unfounded and it may easily cause controversy. Please be careful and cautious when check in or out.

If you are looking to rent a HDB flat/ bedroom from the open market, you can refer to the information here.Tenancy AgreementThe Tenancy Agreement covers the terms and conditions of the renting of a property, offering clauses relating to the main aspects of the tenancy to protect and balance the interest of both landlords and tenants.If you are planning to rent out or rent an HDB flat/ bedroom, you can take reference from these standard tenancy agreement templates（ https://www.cea.gov.sg/professionals/agreements_and_checklists）drafted with input from regulatory agencies, associations representing the real estate agency industry and consumers, and practitioners who are experienced in the residential rental transaction process. These templates are just a guide, and you are free to amend the template or negotiate the terms contained in the template with your property agent to suit your needs and/ or requirements.Rental and deposit paymentsIt is common practice for rent to be paid monthly. The first payment should be made on the day the tenancy starts while subsequent payments should be made on the same day of each month. The deposit amount is usually equal to a month’s rent for a 1-year tenancy contract and 2 months’ rent for a 2-year tenancy contract. This is payable upon signing the tenancy agreement, together with the first month’s rent. You are advised not to pay more than a month's rent.As proof of payment, you should pay the rent and rental deposit by cheque. You should also move into the flat immediately after collecting the keys.Disputes between tenants and flat ownersAny disagreements, such as the rental amount, payment or forfeiture of deposits, right to terminate tenancy, and rental periods, are private matters between the tenant and the flat owner. Flat owners and tenants should try to solve the dispute amicably and reach mutual agreement.You are advised to read and understand all the terms and conditions in the tenancy agreement carefully before signing it.Engaging property agentsIf you are engaging a property agent, check his or her phone number with CEA’s Public Register （https://www.cea.gov.sg/aceas/public-register）to verify the identity of your property agent and safeguard yourself against scammers.Scammers are putting up fake property listings online and impersonating property agents to scam victims into making payment to secure an appointment to view or rent the property. Find out how to avoid falling for rental scams.Source: The Housing & Development Board (HDB)

If you are looking to rent a HDB flat/ bedroom from the open market, you can refer to the information here.Non-Citizen Quota for Renting Out of FlatIf you are a non-Malaysian non-citizen (Singapore Permanent Resident or foreigner) renting the HDB flat, you will be subject to the Non-Citizen Quota for Renting Out of Flat. The quota is to help maintain a good ethnic mix in HDB estates. Malaysians are not subject to this quota in view of their close cultural and historical similarities with Singaporeans.The quota is set at 8% at the neighbourhood level and 11% at the block level, and applicable if any tenant renting the flat is a non-Malaysian non-citizen. If the quota is reached, only Singaporeans and Malaysians can rent a flat in that neighbourhood/ block. This quota does not apply to the renting out of bedrooms.You may use our e-Service to check if an HDB flat can be rented by non-Malaysian non-citizens. The e-Service can also be accessed via the HDB Map （https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/web/fi10/emap.html）Services.Rental periodYou must rent an HDB flat/ bedroom for at least 6 months. Owners can apply to rent out flat/ bedrooms for a maximum period of 3 years per application if their tenants are all Singaporeans or Malaysians. For application involving non-Malaysian non-citizens, the maximum rental period per approval is 2 years.Maximum number of tenants and occupantsTake note of the maximum number of tenants and occupants allowed in each flat when renting the flat/ bedrooms. * Occupants include owners, authorised occupiers and tenants. The maximum number of occupants applies even if flat owners rent out bedroom(s) to tenants who are from the same family unit.^ Only bedrooms originally constructed by HDB can be rented out.  All other parts of the flat (including partitioned rooms) cannot be used as bedrooms for tenants.Source: The Housing & Development Board (HDB)

Singapore Provident Fund Fund InstructionsThe Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a compulsory savings scheme in Singapore for the working population, which includes both Singapore citizens and permanent residents, aimed at meeting their retirement, healthcare, and housing needs. The CPF is managed by the Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB), which is under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).Using your CPF savings to purchase a property under the Housing Scheme allows you to buy a home  within your budget and take the right mortgage repayment strategy so that you can retain savings in your Ordinary Account (OA) for your retirement.   CPF WebsiteWhat can you do with your OA savings when buying a home?Your OA savings can be used to purchase HDB flats, condominium units or to buy or build private and residential properties in Singapore.Your OA savings can also be used to pay for down payments and housing loans for:●Down payments and housing loans for property purchases,●Stamp duty and legal fees,●Loans for building houses and purchasing vacant land (only for landed properties), and●Family Protection Scheme premiums (only for HDB flats).Check if you meet the eligibility criteria on the HDB website.Additionally, verify CPF Private Property Scheme (PPS) criteria if you are purchasing private residential properties.Balance OA savings with cash usage.Although your OA savings can help you pay for housing expenses, remember that they are also intended for your future retirement needs.Use a combination of cash and OA savings to pay for your housing expenses, so you can keep some money in your OA account to earn attractive interest rates. Your OA savings can also serve as a safety net for your housing payments and ensures long-term financial security.Therefore, it is very important to find a balance between using cash and OA savings to manage for housing expenses effectively..

Log in to the myTax Portal:https://mytax.iras.gov.sg/ESVWeb/default.aspxClick on the “Stamp Duty”under the menu on the right, then choose "Individual User" or "Business User" based on your profile. If you don’t have login access, use the “Check Stamp Cert Authenticity” function for verification.Method 1:Using Singpass1. For individual users, log in with your SingPass by scanning the QR code if available.2. Navigate to the "Inbox" under the Stamp Duty section, then locate "Records" to view your stamp certificate records.3. The page will scroll down, where you can see the Stamp Certificate records you have made before. Find the record you want to download and click on it.Method 2: For document verification1. Click on "Check Stamp Cert Authenticity" on the main stamp duty page.2.Enter the required fields: Document Ref No. and Stamp Certificate Ref No.to confirm authenticity.