Renters’ FAQ: Clear answers for first-time and seasoned tenants

Renting in Singapore doesn’t need to be confusing. Below is a plain-English FAQ built for real life: how long you can rent, what documents you’ll need, when to pay stamp duty, and the quick checks that keep you safe. Where rules apply, we link to official sources. For everything else, we share practical norms and what we’ve seen work well for Hozuko renters.

Quick note: On Hozuko, verified listings surface first and our in-platform chat is monitored for risky patterns. Keep conversations on the platform and avoid sending money or documents off-platform to unknown parties.

Fast answers (at a glance)

1. What are the main types of rental properties in Singapore?

• HDB flats and rooms: Public housing. Entire flat or just a bedroom. Usually more value-for-money, with 6-month minimum stay per tenant. HDB owners must meet eligibility and register tenants. ¹
• Private apartments/condominiums: Private developments with facilities (pool, gym, etc.). 3-month minimum stay applies. ²
• Landed houses: Detached, semi-detached, or terrace homes. More space and privacy, typically higher utility and upkeep expectations. 3-month minimum stay applies. ^{2 12}
• Serviced apartments (SA / SA2): Self-contained units operated under single ownership/management. SA typically allows minimum 7-day stays; SA2 follows minimum 3-month stays and is intended for longer-term lodging. These are distinct from private residential rentals. Check which category the building is approved under. ^{13 14}

How to choose:

• Tight budget, near MRT, longer stay: HDB room/flat.
• Facilities and on-site security: private condo/apartment.
• Big family, outdoor space, multi-car parking: landed house.
• Shorter corporate stays or bundled services (housekeeping): serviced apartment.

2. What are the minimum rental periods in Singapore?

• HDB: Each tenant must be rented to for at least 6 months. Short-term letting is not allowed. ¹
• Private residential (condos/landed): Minimum stay is 3 months. ²

Why it matters: Any listing offering daily/weekly stays in residential homes is a red flag.

3. How many people can live in a unit?

• The general cap is 6 unrelated occupants per property.
• Temporary relaxation: From 22 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2026, eligible larger homes (≥90 sqm) that register with URA/HDB can house up to 8 occupants. Registration is required. ^{3 4}

Tip: If a listing claims “8 allowed,” ask for proof that the address has been registered for the relaxation.

4. What is rental stamp duty and when do I pay it?

• What: A tax on the lease/tenancy agreement.
• Who typically pays: Usually the tenant (but parties can agree otherwise; put it in writing).
• How much: For leases 4 years or less, 0.4% of the total rent for the lease period. (IRAS uses the contractual or market rent, whichever is higher.) ⁵
• Deadline: Within 14 days of signing in Singapore, 30 days if signed overseas. ⁶

Practical: You can complete e-Stamping online. Keep the stamp certificate; some owners will ask to see it before handing over keys. ¹⁵

5. Do I need an agent? If I use one, how do I verify them?

• Renting without an agent is common for rooms and direct-landlord listings.
• If you choose to engage an agent, verify them first on the CEA Public Register — check name, registration number, and that the license is current. ⁷
• Commission is not a fixed law; it’s negotiated. Ensure who pays whom (and how much) is written down before work begins.

Hozuko tip: Many renters handle search and negotiation themselves. If you work with any agent, keep all payments to named entities and avoid personal accounts where possible.

6. What documents should I prepare?

Common requests:

• Passport/NRIC (for identity verification)
• Valid work/study/residence pass (where applicable)
• Employment letter, recent payslips, or basic income proof
• Contact details of occupants

Why owners ask: Owners (and agents) have obligations against harbouring immigration offenders and are guided to perform identity/pass checks. ¹¹

7. What’s the usual security deposit and when do I get it back?

• Market practice is typically 1 month’s rent for a 1-year lease (and around 2 months for a 2-year lease). This is a norm, not a statutory rule.
• The deposit is usually returned after handover, less verified damages or agreed charges stated in the Tenancy Agreement (TA).

If there’s a dispute: Try to resolve directly; otherwise, consider the Small Claims Tribunals, which handle many residential tenancy disputes within set claim limits/timeframes. ⁸

8. I saw a great deal, but they want money before viewing. Is that normal?

No. Paying to view or to reserve sight unseen is a top scam pattern. Scammers also impersonate real agents/owners, rush you to pay, and disappear.
What to do:

• Verify agents on the CEA Register. ⁷
• Never send deposits to personal wallets without a signed agreement.
• Keep chats on Hozuko; our system flags risky behaviour.
• When in doubt, stop and check official advisories. ^{9 10}

9. What clauses in the Tenancy Agreement should I pay attention to?

• Start/end dates, rent, and inclusions (e.g., utilities, Wi-Fi, furniture).
• Repair responsibilities (minor repair caps, appliance servicing responsibilities).
• Early termination (e.g., diplomatic or break clauses).
• Occupancy and visitor rules aligned with URA/HDB caps. ^{2 1}
• Stamp duty payer and deadline (add it explicitly). ^{5 6}

Practical: Before signing, walk through the unit and note condition with timestamped photos/videos. Attach a simple handover checklist to your TA.

10. Can I add or change housemates mid-lease?

• You’ll need the landlord’s written consent, and total occupants must stay within the legal caps.
• For HDB rooms/flats, owners also manage the official tenant registration process. ¹
• If you plan to leave early and find a replacement, discuss assignment/novation terms with the landlord and record the agreement in writing (this may trigger fresh stamp duty depending on the structure). ¹⁵

11. What are three reliable ways to protect myself as a renter?

1. Verify people: Check agents on the CEA Public Register; match names and numbers. ⁷
2. Verify property facts: Confirm minimum stay, occupancy and any “8-person” claim against URA/HDB rules. ^{2 3 4}
3. Verify the process: Keep chat and document exchange on Hozuko; stamp your lease on time; avoid sending funds before viewing and signing. ^{6 9}

References