Sharing with 3+ roommates requires clear agreements about shared spaces, cleaning schedules, utility splits, and house rules. Consider personality compatibility, lifestyle habits, and how to handle conflicts. Establish guidelines for common areas, guest policies, and what happens if someone moves out mid-lease.
Check names of parties, address, start date, length, payment schedule, inventory, access to facilities, and who handles maintenance. Confirm guest policy, notice periods, and early termination terms in writing before paying any deposit or handing over documents.
Check the corridor and lift situation. If it’s a common corridor, people pass right by your door or window, affecting privacy. Corner units are quieter. Also see if the lift stops on your floor (some older blocks don’t), as you might need to take stairs if not.
Clarify with your housemates or landlord how utilities are divided. Often, all occupants split electricity, water, and internet bills equally. In some cases, if one person uses significantly more (e.g., air-con all day), they might pay a bit more. It’s important to agree on a fair arrangement upfront so everyone knows their share of the monthly bills. Keep bills visible to everyone and record transfers for transparency.
A master bedroom (with an attached bathroom) is ideal if you value extra space and privacy. It’s great for couples or individuals who want more room and their own bathroom. You get a larger area to yourself, which is nice if you work from your room or just like having a private bathroom and more storage. If your budget allows and you prefer not to share a bathroom, a master bedroom is a good choice.
HDB rooms often have simpler finishes and fewer shared facilities but practical layouts and solid walls. You’ll trade pools or gyms for straightforward convenience. Prioritize block condition, elevator access, and nearby amenities over lifestyle facilities you won’t use.
Many require a booked timeslot for lift padding and may collect a refundable deposit. Confirm required forms, booking windows, and whether your landlord handles them. Plan deliveries to match the approved window so movers aren’t turned away unexpectedly.
Take advantage of amenities to justify higher rent costs. Use the gym instead of paying for external memberships, utilize the pool for exercise and relaxation, and book function rooms for gatherings. Many condos offer additional services like concierge, dry cleaning pickup, or maintenance services. Factor these conveniences into your rental value assessment.