Agency Fees / Commission

Standard market practice - 1/2 month commission for 1 year (or less) lease period and 1 month commission for lease between 1 to 2 years lease. Landlord usually takes care of the commission. But if monthly rent is S$2,500 or less, tenant also pays at least 1/2 month commission.

Please clarify with your agent / representative on commission payable (preferably before engaging their services) as some companies may have different policies from that above-stated.

Note: DO NOT pay or make cheque payable to AGENT'S PERSONAL NAME. If you do not have cheque book yet, you can purchase a Money Order from a Bank in Singapore. If cash is given, make sure you pay it IN THE OFFICE of the company and get an official receipt. Commission MUST BE paid to AGENCY (COMPANY NAME) and you can check the validity of license of the agency via Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.

Lease Agreement

Also known as Tenancy Agreement (TA). This is the legal contract between the landlord and the tenant and lists out the terms of the lease. Duration of the lease can be for 1 year or 2 years, with "option to renew" for a further 1 year.

There is also a STAMP FEE payable by Tenant. A STAMP CERTIFICATE will be issued (like a receipt for the STAMP FEE).

See Standard TA as recommended by Institute of Estate Agents (IEA). Recommended TA by Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE).

Diplomatic Clause

The diplomatic clause enables the tenant to terminate the lease before the end of the lease period. Tenants are usually able to terminate the lease after 12 months with 2-3 months' written notice to the landlord, subject to satisfactory documentary proof of the occupant being transferred or relocated from Singapore to another country, or cessation of employment.

Furnishings

Partially furnished properties usually come equipped with air-conditioning, basic kitchen appliances, washing machines or dryer, lighting and drapery.

Fully furnished properties include moveable furniture in addition to the items listed above.

Security Deposit / Tenancy Deposit

It is normal for the landlord to require a security deposit upon signing of the Tenancy Agreement.

When the lease term ends, this is refunded without interest. However, the landlord reserves the right to deduct from the deposit all costs and expenses arising from the tenant breaching any of the covenants in the contract.

Typically, the deposit will be one month value for every one year term of lease.

Service Charge / Maintenance Fees

For properties with shared compounds, such as condominiums and apartments, services charges and maintenance fees are payable.

This is usually paid by the landlord and accounted for in the gross rent.

Repairs & Maintenance

The tenant is responsible for maintaining the leased premises in good order and, carry out minor repairs at his own costs (usually stated in the Tenancy Agreement under a "minor repairs" clause).

Only major repairs and maintenance would be the landlord's responsibility.

Periodic aircon servicing works will usually be under the charge of tenants whereas major repair works (with repair / replacement of parts) will be undertaken by the landlords.

Utilities, Telephone, Gas, TV

The tenant has to apply to the SP Services for water, electricity and gas supply (if required).

Cable TV

Usually paid by Tenant.

Singapore's main Cable TV service provider was previously Singapore Cable Vision, now under Starhub. Multiple packages are available for you to choose from, depending on the channels you want to have.

Internet

Usually paid by Tenant.

Three main service providers for internet services (mainly broadband) - Singnet (under Singtel), Starhub and Pacific Internet. Basic rates start from around SGD$30/mth. There is normally a contract (1 year or 2 years) during sign-up and you will get "free gifts" such as free modem or gateway router, or more (depending on the promotions available at the point in time).

Recently, Singapore has also launched a nation-wide FREE WIRELESS program called WIreless@Sg. You can register with Singnet or Pacific Internet for this service or try QMax (where you will get a FREE Creative Webcam as well - Jan 07 Promo).

Mobile Telecoms

Usually paid by Tenant.

Three main providers - Singtel, Starhub and MobileOne.

Singtel and Starhub also provide analog & digital home phone lines.

Singtel allows you to combine Home Line + Internet + Mobile Line into One Package (called MIO)

You can register for Home Line + Internet + Mobile Line + CableTV all via Starhub.