Renting in Singapore? - This is Your Ultimate Checklist

Renting a home in Singapore as an expat? Whether you’re just moving in, settling into your rental, or preparing to move out, staying on top of your responsibilities ensures a smooth experience. Use this step-by-step checklist to avoid surprises and maintain your home properly—including essential cleaning tasks like curtain cleaning to keep your space fresh and compliant with lease agreements.

Before Renting: Key Checks Before Signing the Lease

Before committing to a rental, ensure you’ve covered these key aspects:

✅ Search on Reliable Property Websites – Find listings on platforms like PropertyGuru, 99.co, and EdgeProp to compare rental prices and locations.

✅ Verify the Agent’s Credibility – Check if your agent is registered with Singapore’s Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) via their official site.

✅ Inspect the Property Thoroughly & Document Everything – Take photos and videos of all issues, including:

Water leaks in kitchens and bathrooms.
Damages on fixtures such as broken cabinets or chipped tiles.
Stains on curtains, sofas, or walls to ensure you aren’t blamed later.

✅ Send Documentation to Your Agent & Landlord – Get them to acknowledge the issues and request fixes before moving in to avoid disputes later. Even if some minor issues are not fixed before you move in, you will have proof that they existed before you took over the unit.

During Renting: Essential Home Maintenance

Staying on top of home maintenance prevents unexpected deductions from your security deposit.

✅ Check Your Cleaning Responsibilities – Verify how often you need to service the aircon, curtains, and upholstery as per the lease. Ensure you obtain official receipts for proof.

✅ Raise Repair Requests to the Landlord First – Before fixing issues yourself, consult the landlord. Repairs due to normal wear and tear may be covered, and landlords often have preferred vendors for maintenance.

✅ Keep a Record of Receipts & Requests – Document all maintenance and repair requests. This can be useful in case of disputes, proving that certain damages existed before you moved in and have required repeated repairs.

✅ Respect Lease Terms – Avoid unauthorized modifications like drilling walls or installing fixtures.

End of Tenancy: Preparing for a Smooth Move-Out

To ensure a full security deposit refund, follow this checklist before handing back your rental unit.

✅ Book Professional Curtain Cleaning – Many landlords require curtain cleaning as part of the lease agreement. Read our guide on comparing curtain cleaning costs

✅ Present All Receipts – Provide receipts for aircon servicing (as per lease frequency), professional cleaning, and professional curtain dry cleaning as proof of maintenance.

✅ Return All Keys & Access Cards – Ensure no missing or damaged keys to avoid penalties. People often forget about the mailbox keys!

✅ Take Photos of the Property – Keep proof of the unit’s condition before handover.

✅ Confirm Deposit Refund Timeline – Clarify when and how the landlord will return your security deposit. In Singapore, the timeline for a landlord to return a tenant’s security deposit is typically outlined in the tenancy agreement. Commonly, landlords return the deposit within 14 to 30 days after the tenancy ends, allowing time to assess the property’s condition and account for any necessary deductions. Read this guide if the landlord refuses to return your deposit.

Renting in Singapore is straightforward when you’re well-prepared. By following this expat rental checklist, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and ensure your home remains well-maintained throughout your lease.

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