Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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1.What are the types of properties available for rent

There are several options to choose from when considering the different types of property available for rent.

HDB Flats

You can rent either entire units or one bedroom. Usually master bedrooms come with a bathroom en suite and therefore cost more than common rooms. 

Note that subletting an entire apartment requires permission from the Housing Development Board, and that subletting a bedroom is only possible for 3-bedroom flats or larger. An entire unit would cost $2,500 to $3,500 per month on average to rent in Singapore, while a room can cost between $500 and $1,000.

It’s important to agree beforehand on issues such as the sharing of electricity, water and telephone bills and privacy rights.

Service Apartments

These usually have gyms, cafes, business centres and cleaning services. The monthly rental prices for these typically range from $2,500 to $6,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $5,000 to $10,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

Condominiums

These are properties with facilities such as security, gyms and pools. Smaller condominiums may not have as many facilities. Monthly rental costs for condominiums typically range between $2,500 and $10,000 for entire units. It is also possible to rent rooms in Condominiums

Landed Property

Depending on the location and the size of the house, rents for landed property can vary from $10,000 to $30,000 per month. Landed property can be split into three main types:

1. Terrace Houses: These are houses that share common walls with neighbours on both sides, unless at the end of a row.

2. Semi-detached Houses: These houses share one wall in common with a neighbour.

3. Detached Houses/Bungalows: These houses do not share any wall with other houses.

 

2.What are the rental conditions in Singapore

Rental apartments come fully furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished.

Fully furnished means the apartment comes with a complete set of furniture, appliances (e.g. television, microwave oven) and white goods (e.g. refrigerator, washing machine).

Partially furnished means the apartment comes with the essential white goods, lights and curtains, but no or little furniture.

Unfurnished means the house is renovated but bare, perhaps only with the lights fitted. Of course you can always request for the landlord to add items – these can all be negotiated before you sign the tenancy agreement and can be incorporated into the rent.

Naturally, fully furnished units and rooms will cost more than unfurnished properties.

 

 

3. How do I rent a property in Singapore?

1. Decide on your budget: Having a budget in mind will help you decide the type of property to rent, as well as its location. Ensure that your budget is flexible enough to prevent situations where you are unable to find a house that is both within your budget as well as in a specific location of your preference.

 

2. Decide on the type of property and the location: Factors to take into account when making this decision include the facilities you require, the public transport options, the age and number of family members, the distance to office or school districts and the amenities you would like, such as supermarkets and libraries.

 

3. Gather a pool of specific options: First, examine property websites to come up with a list of potential properties that fit your choices on location, budget and other factors. You can also engage one or more agents to help you in your search. You may view ESSEC’s recommended service providers at https://myarrivalatessecap.weebly.com/accommodation.html

 

4. Arrange for property viewings: Visit the short-listed properties and take photos and notes on each to help you make a decision later. It is helpful to visit at different times of the day to get an idea of the neighbourhood. You can then short-list further and do a second viewing if necessary. Make a note of any repairs or extra furniture you would like to have before you move in.

 

5. Sign the Letter of Intent: Once you decide on the home you want to rent you usually then sign a Letter of Intent (LOI), which states your intention to lease, as well as any requirements you have. Pay attention to the following components of the LOI:

• Booking/Good Faith deposit: This is usually one month’s rent. After the LOI has been signed and this has been paid, the owner cannot rent the property to others.

• Security deposit: This is usually one month’s rent per year of lease. Once the lease term is over, this amount will be refunded. If any expenses arise due to the tenant breaching the terms in the Tenancy Agreement (e.g. damages to the property), the owner can deduct a reasonable amount from this deposit.

• Lease term: The standard lease term is one year or more, and the agreement may include a renewal option, which usually requires 2 or 3 months’ advance notice to exercise.

• Requirements: State your requirements (such as new furniture) clearly. Once the LOI is signed, the owner is required to provide all that is requested for.

 

6. Sign the Tenancy Agreement: After signing the LOI and putting down a deposit, you will then sign the Tenancy Agreement. You will also have to pay the advance rent together with the signing. Pay attention to the following components:

• LOI and Tenancy Agreement should match: Ensure that terms agreed in the LOI are also present in the Tenancy Agreement.

• Installation and monthly charges: You are usually responsible for the installation charges and monthly bills for the water, electricity and gas supply, residential telephone line, cable television and broadband internet connection. Sometimes you can negotiate some of these into the contract, e.g. cable television or internet bill.

• Repair and maintenance: You will be responsible for repair works that do not exceed a certain amount, usually $100-200, unless the repair required is due to your negligence. Also, certain maintenance services such as gardening and pool cleaning will be at your expense.

Note that this Agreement will have to be stamped by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore before it is considered a valid contract. The cost for this is usually borne by the tenant.

Don’t forget stamp duty! For leases of 4 years or less, the stamp duty payable is 0.4% of the rental amount. For leases of more than 4 years, it is 0.4% of 4 times the AAR for the period of the lease.

Also you may have to pay the agent half a month’s to a month’s commission depending on the lease term.

 

7. Taking over the property: Check the inventory list to make sure that all items are present, and note if there are any defects. Also ensure that you collect a complete set of keys.

 

4. How do I meet Potential Roomates/Housemates?

You may meet other students at the Online Discussion Forum at ESSEC AP Accommodations Wix Website https://essecapservices.wixsite.com/accommodation/forum

 

5. How do I take over the lease from current students?

You may view properties listed by current students at ESSEC AP Accommodations Wix Website https://essecapservices.wixsite.com/accommodation/forum and discuss with other students at the Online Discussion Forum there

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6. Is the cost of utilities (water, gas and electricity) included in the rent?

This would depend on the type of property you are renting. Our recommended accommodation service providers have various regulations in terms of payment of utilities. Some of them include the utility cost into the monthly rental rate, while some of them charge it separately on top of the monthly rental rate. And a few cap it i.e. it is included up to a certain amount and anything above is borne by the tenants.

 

7. Is internet connection included in the rent?

Most accommodations include internet connection into the monthly rental rate. However, there may be a few e.g. HDB flats that do not include this. Students are advised to check with their landlord whether the wireless internet connection is included in the monthly rent.

 

8. What kind of facilities are in the rooms?

Most rooms rented out to students in Singapore have a set of basic items that are provided. These include a bed, personal locker/wardrobe, air-condition, study table, chair, table lamp and power sockets.

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9. What kind of facilities are in the apartment and apartment block?

The facilities vary with different properties. Please check with the accommodation service provider or landlord for a full list of facilities.

Generally hostels come with a common area, lounge, basic sports facilities, laundromat, BBQ area

Most condominiums will be fully furnished  with a TV, refrigerator, hob, washing machine. In the condominium building, you will usually find a gym, swimming pool, BBQ area and a function room. Others might have tennis courts, squash courts, and volleyball courts.

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10. General Advice on Accommodation in Singapore

Singapore is a multicultural country and you may find customs and religions different from those in yours. Part of your education experience in Singapore is to be able to adapt to the new environment along with being socially integrated. Some of the common courtesies to observe are as follow:

a. Generally it is custom in Singapore to remove your shoes before you enter a house and leave them at the door

b. Keep your accommodation clean and tidy

c. Keep the kitchen clean and wash up cutlery and crockery daily

d. Keep the bathroom clean by washing it regularly. Flush the toilet after use

e. Organise a timetable for use of the washing machine. Take in your laundry when it is dry to allow others in the house to do their washing. The washing machine is meant for washing your clothes and linen. Do not wash footwear in the washing machine

 

Religious practices - You may be sharing your accommodation with people of different religions. It is important to respect their beliefs and not impose your beliefs on others.

 

Religious rituals - Your housemates will respect your need to pray, but to show mutual respect, keep your religious practices private. Conduct your prayers in your own room. Do not disturb your housemates in the common room with the burning of incense and other religious rituals.

 

Storing food - The consumption or handling of certain food is prohibited in some religions. Please respect your housemates' religious dietary restrictions. For example, Muslims do not eat pork or cook with alcohol or pork fat (lard). Hindus and Buddhists do not eat beef and some may be vegetarians. Ensure that you store and cook these products separately if your housemate observes these religious practices.

 

Household etiquette - Although you may feel you have gained a degree of freedom by living away from home, you should still observe some basic rules of household etiquette:

a. Obtain permission from your landlord if you are bringing guests to stay

b. Observe curfew hours by not returning home too late and be careful not to disturb the household upon your return

c. Do not smoke in your room

d. For the protection of your possessions and for your personal safety, keep your room locked at all times