Make sure all friends are named on the lease so everyone is equally responsible. Agree clearly on how to split rent and bills, and set basic house rules early on to avoid misunderstandings. Also decide what happens if someone moves out before the lease ends, since you’re all responsible together.
Teenagers require more privacy and independence than younger children. Consider bedroom assignments that provide adequate separation from parents and siblings, ensure good soundproofing for music and phone calls, and discuss household rules about friends visiting. Plan for increased utility usage and potential need for additional internet bandwidth or separate study spaces.
Look for termite trails, droppings, and swollen wood. Check ceilings and corners for water stains and bubbling paint. Outside, inspect gutters and downpipes after rain. Ask about previous treatments and how quickly issues are handled when reported.
Keep drains clear, cover bins, and avoid standing water in trays or pots. Check window screens and door seals. Store food in sealed containers. Trim bushes and grass regularly to reduce hiding spots for pests, and consider periodic pest control if the area is prone to bugs.
Ask about air-con use and costs. Many HDB owners let you run it at night but expect you to share the electricity bill or servicing costs. Check that the air-con unit is working well. If it's older, it might be noisier or less efficient.
Address excessive utility usage diplomatically but firmly. Document patterns with photos of meter readings or bills showing spikes. Propose individual monitoring solutions like smart plugs for high-energy appliances or separate air-con timers. Consider splitting bills proportionally based on actual usage rather than equally. If direct conversation fails, involve the landlord to mediate or implement individual metering systems.
HDB has ethnic integration policies that may affect room rentals. Some HDB flat owners can only rent to tenants of certain ethnic groups to maintain racial balance in the block. This is a government policy, not discrimination. Ask landlords upfront about any restrictions and understand it's about maintaining community diversity, not personal preference.
Look for units where bedrooms are well-separated, preferably not all clustered together. Check sound insulation between rooms, whether there are multiple bathroom facilities, and if common areas allow for both social interaction and private space. Consider the unit's layout for natural privacy zones.
