Before Renting
Verify the landlord, ownership, approved residential use, property details, and whether any agent is registered with CEA before signing.
Singapore Guide
Housing And Rental In Singapore
Use this as a first-pass checklist before you rent, buy, or engage a property agent. Housing is expensive enough that verification is never wasted effort.
For HDB
Check HDB rules on open-market renting, tenant eligibility, rental periods, and whether approval is required for the arrangement.
Paperwork
Review the tenancy agreement carefully and remember that lease and tenancy documents are subject to stamp duty.
Good Practice
What To Verify
Housing scams often work because the listing looks plausible. Slow the process down enough to verify the person, the property, and the payment path.
- Match the landlord or agent to official records.
- Do not transfer deposits to unclear recipients.
- Use written agreements and keep payment records.
What should I verify before paying a rental deposit?
Verify the landlord or authorised agent, confirm the property details, and make sure the payment recipient matches the transaction documents. For agent-assisted transactions, CEA says you should verify that the agent is registered before engaging them.
Do HDB rentals have different rules?
Yes. HDB has separate rules on eligibility, rental periods, maximum occupants, and approvals for renting flats or bedrooms. Check the HDB requirements that apply to the exact arrangement before you commit.
Do tenancy agreements need stamp duty?
Yes. IRAS treats lease and tenancy agreements for Singapore property as dutiable documents, so stamp duty should be handled as part of the paperwork.