Before You Rent a Landed House in Singapore

If you’ve only rented HDB or condo apartments, a landed house can feel like the next step up: more floor area, a porch for bicycles (or a car), maybe a little yard. The lived reality is different. You’ll get privacy and control, but you’ll also inherit responsibilities usually handled by an MCST or your condo’s managing agent. Before you sign a tenancy agreement (TA), here’s what to expect, how it differs from apartment living, and where renters often get surprised.

Key differences at a glance

What’s genuinely better in a landed house

• Control over your space. You can place outdoor gear, a scooter, or bikes on your porch. You can accept bulky deliveries without booking a lift. No MCST red tape for small changes like installing a smart lock or outdoor lights (still observe safety laws).
• Noise isolation and privacy. Fewer shared walls and corridors. Housemates and guests don’t spill into common areas.
• Pet friendliness. Without MCST pet by-laws, you only answer to your landlord and general laws. Get the permission written into your TA with clarity on damages and cleaning.

Where apartment dwellers get caught off guard

1. The bills you didn’t pay before. Landed homes incur higher refuse collection fees than apartments. It’s not huge monthly, but over a year it’s noticeable. Check which bills the landlord covers and which fall to you. ⁵

2. The “hidden” upkeep. Gutters clog, external drains silt up, fences sag, and paint peels in strong sun. A small roof leak can become a ceiling stain. Agree in writing:

   • routine garden trimming (who, how often),
   • gutters and external drains (cleaning intervals),
   • pest control schedule (termites and rodents),
   • response times for weather-related defects.

   Many landed residents say pests are common and termites require prompt professional treatment.

3. Parking and curb etiquette. Your porch is yours, but the street is not. Avoid blocking others, keep clear of gates and hydrants, and don’t assume “everyone does it” equals legal.

4. Layout alterations and “partitions.” If you see odd room partitions or multiple pantries suggesting a de-facto boarding house, be careful. Unauthorised partitions have been cited as fire-risk issues in enforcement and news reports. ⁶

5. Occupancy limits and short lets. Short-term accommodation under 3 months is not allowed in private homes. The default occupancy cap is 6 unrelated persons, with a temporary path to 8 for larger registered units until 31 Dec 2026. Ensure your household size is compliant and stated in the TA. ^{1 2}

How to screen a landed rental (quick checklist)

• Walk the perimeter after rain. Look for ponding, soft ground, or overflowing downpipes. Ask when gutters and external drains were last cleaned.
• Tap skirting and inspect wood. Check for hollow sounds or frass (termite dust). Ask if there’s a current pest contract and when the last treatment was done.
• Open every window and door. Test locks, grills, and weatherstripping. Inspect signs of water ingress at ceilings and corners.
• Check electrical load. Older houses may have limited circuits. Run air-con plus kettle or microwave to test for tripping (with permission).
• Ask about refuse and landscaping. Confirm who pays the NEA refuse fee, who trims hedges/trees, and how often. ⁵
• Clarify parking. Confirm car-porch size and whether street parking is practical on your lane.
• Read your TA like a hawk. Spell out landlord vs tenant duties for roof, external walls, fences, garden, pests, and drains. Include timeframes to fix essential services (water, power, air-con leaks).

Sample TA clauses to negotiate

• Pest control: “Landlord to engage licensed pest control for annual termite inspection and any active infestation within 7 days of notice; tenant to promptly report sightings.”
• Gutters and drains: “Landlord to maintain roof gutters and external drains twice yearly; tenant to keep grates free of debris.”
• Garden maintenance: Specify whether a gardener is included, frequency, and scope (grass, hedges, weeding).
• Emergency repairs: Define response times for roof leaks, electrical faults, and burst pipes, and a reimbursement path if you must call emergency services.

When to stick with an apartment

If you value predictable noise rules, on-site security, lift bookings for moves, and not having to think about gutters, an apartment remains the lower-maintenance choice. MCST frameworks exist to reduce friction for day-to-day living and renovations. ^{3 4}

References