Usually yes, but it’s important to clarify the rules. Ask your landlord or flatmates about kitchen use: Can you cook full meals anytime or is it “light cooking only”? Also, check how fridge space is shared. Make sure you clean up after using the kitchen (wash your dishes, wipe the stove) as a courtesy. As long as everyone respects common areas, you should be able to use the kitchen and store your groceries in the fridge without issue.
A common bedroom (smaller room without attached bath) is usually a fit for single renters who want a more budget-friendly option. You’ll trade privacy for affordability, so focus on good housemate fit, clear rules, and a layout that gives you a calm place to unwind.
Decide early on how to keep the place clean. Many housemates create a rotating chore schedule so each person takes turns cleaning common areas (like kitchen, bathroom) each week. Alternatively, some households chip in to hire a part-time cleaner for a couple of hours weekly or bi-weekly. The key is to ensure everyone is on board with the plan. Also, basic etiquette helps – everyone should clean up after themselves (wash your dishes, don’t leave personal stuff all over common spaces) so the home stays tidy day-to-day.
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.
Yes. It should clearly state the monthly rent, the security deposit amount and conditions for return, what’s included in the rent (for example, are utilities or Wi-Fi covered?), the length of stay/notice period, and any specific house rules or restrictions. This protects both you and the landlord (or main tenant) by ensuring everyone knows the terms. Also, confirm that the landlord has approval to rent out the room (especially important in HDB flats, where there are rules on room rentals).
Go furnished for convenience and lower upfront setup, but inspect furniture condition and note wear expectations. Choose unfurnished for flexibility and hygiene control, factoring in delivery time, storage needs, and the effort to move items at lease end. It really depends on whether you have furniture and want to customize the space or prefer a move-in-ready setup.