Renting in Singapore for the first time — especially if you're relocating from abroad — can feel overwhelming. The process is structured, involves legal documents, and moves quickly once you find a unit you like. This guide walks you through every step in order, so you know exactly what to expect and what to do at each stage.
Before you search, get clear on your non-negotiables. Think through:
Use platforms like PropertyGuru, 99.co, and EdgeProp to browse listings. Filter by district, price, property type, and furnishing. When shortlisting, look beyond the photos — check the map for MRT distance, nearby amenities, and any obvious drawbacks (expressway noise, construction sites). Aim for a shortlist of 8–12 units before committing to viewings.
Schedule viewings of your shortlisted units. During each viewing:
If you're not yet in Singapore, engage a trusted agent to conduct viewings on your behalf with video walkthroughs.
Once you've chosen a unit, you make a formal offer through a Letter of Intent (LOI). This document states your proposed rent, lease term, move-in date, and any special conditions (e.g. repaint, replace mattress, add aircon unit). Along with the LOI, you typically pay a good faith deposit of one month's rent.
The landlord may counter your offer — on rent, move-in date, or conditions. Common negotiating points include:
Negotiate reasonably and put all agreed terms in writing. Verbal promises that don't end up in the Tenancy Agreement don't count.
Once both parties agree on terms, a formal Tenancy Agreement is drafted — typically by the landlord's agent. Review it carefully. Key things to check: the exact lease start and end dates, rent amount and due date, security deposit amount and return terms, the diplomatic clause, maintenance responsibilities, permitted occupants, and the inventory list.
Both parties sign two copies — one for the tenant, one for the landlord. At signing, you pay the security deposit (less the good faith deposit already paid).
In Singapore, tenants are responsible for paying stamp duty on the Tenancy Agreement. This is a legal requirement. The amount is calculated based on the average annual rent and the lease duration:
Payment is made via the IRAS e-Stamping portal at mytax.iras.gov.sg. Your agent can assist with this. Keep the stamped copy as it's your legal proof of the tenancy.
Before or on the day you collect the keys, conduct a thorough joint inspection with the landlord or their agent. Go through every room and tick off each item on the inventory list. Note any pre-existing damage in writing — scratches, stains, broken items. Take date-stamped photos of everything. Both parties sign the inventory list acknowledging the unit's condition. This is your protection against unfair deductions from your deposit at the end of the tenancy.
On or before your move-in date, arrange:
Pay rent on time. Keep the unit clean and in good condition. Report maintenance issues promptly and in writing. Service the aircon quarterly. And when it's time to move out, give proper notice as per your TA and leave the unit in the condition you found it. A good tenancy history is valuable in Singapore's competitive rental market.
| Define requirements | Before you start searching |
| Search & shortlist | Weeks 1–3 |
| Viewings | Weeks 2–4 |
| Submit LOI + good faith deposit | When you find the right unit |
| Negotiate & sign TA | Within ~2 weeks of LOI |
| Pay stamp duty | Within 14 days of TA signing |
| Joint move-in inspection | On or before move-in day |
| Set up utilities | Move-in day |
Our remote home search service handles viewings, negotiation, and lease review on your behalf — so you arrive with everything sorted.