A 10-Step Guide to Renting

Your private property

Updated May 2024

Having a passive income is always welcoming.

If you intend to rent out your private condo, landed ​property or a spare room, here is a 10-step process ​that will give you a good overall picture to guide you ​in becoming a landlord in Singapore :)

Step 5: Negotiation

Vines Divider Border

Step 1: Knowing the Regulations

  • Maximum number of tenants allowed for properties smaller than 90sqm : 6
  • Maximum number of tenants allowed for properties bigger than 90sqm : 8

As of 2024 to 2026

  • The minimum rental period of each tenant is 3 months. Any period shorter than ​this for residential properties is not allowed in Singapore, hence we can’t do Air ​BnB here.

*Note: The common lease period for private properties in Singapore are 1 to 3 years.

Step 2: Check the Market Rental Rates in Your Area

Researching on the past market rental rates in your area, and having an ​understanding of the current market demand, will help you make an informed decision ​on setting your rental price.

Step 3: Advertise Your Property

  • Declutter your property for taking nice photos and videos for the marketing ​materials.


  • Publicising your property may be one of the things which you may have limited ​resources for if you are handling the process by yourself. That is because, posting ​on popular platforms like Property Guru requires a subscription, which ranges in ​the 4 digits at least. Property agents pay for this as part of their profession, on ​top of that, they have a huge network of clientele and colleagues to publicize to.


Step 4: Schedule Viewings

Schedule viewing appointments of your property when potential tenants or their ​agents respond to your advertisement.

Step 5: Negotiation

This includes not only the rental price but also the furniture, appliances and repainting ​of the walls etc.

For instance, a potential tenant may request the landlord to be responsible for the ​replacement of a high-usage appliance if it breaks down within 6 months of moving in ​eg. the washing machine which has been used by previous occupants.

Step 6: Receive Letter of Intent (LOI) & Good-Faith Deposit

If the potential tenant wishes to proceed after the terms are mutually agreed upon, ​he/she will give you a Letter of Intent (LOI) with a good-faith deposit to secure the ​deal.

The good faith deposit is usually equivalent to one month’s rent, and it will become ​the security deposit later on.


<Important> Do not sign and return the LOI until Step 7 is completed.

Step 7: Check Tenant’s Eligibility, Verify Documents

It is the landlord’s responsibility to verify the tenant’s identity and permit for long-​term stay in Singapore.

Step 8 : Issue the Tenancy Agreement (TA)

  • This is a legal contract to be signed by both the landlord and tenant. It serves to ​safeguard all parties, especially in the event of tenancy dispute. It consists of 3 ​parts: A) Landlord’s details B) Tenant’s details C) Lease details


  • Security Deposit. This will also be collected when the TA is endorsed. It is ​usually a month’s rent for every year of lease i.e. Security deposit for 2 years of ​lease will be two months worth of rent. The good faith deposit received with the ​LOI will be converted to a part of this security deposit.


  • Stamp Duty. The TA has to be stamped and the stamp duty is borne by the ​tenant who can process and pay for it on the IRAS portal.


  • Diplomatic Clause. You will encounter the request to include this clause in the ​TA if your tenant is an expatriate. This clause allows for early termination of the ​lease and is reasonable with regard to the unique circumstances of this tenant ​group. The usual terms and conditions include at least a 12-month stay, two ​months of notice period and an accompanying clause on reimbursing the landlord’s ​agent fees on a pro-rata basis.

Step 9 : Prepare Inventory List, Walk-Through & Passing of Keys

  • Prepare an inventory list with photos and walk through your flat with the tenant. ​Have two copies of the inventory list endorsed by both you and the tenant and ​attach it to each copy of the Tenancy Agreement. This helps to avoid future ​disputes over ownership of items and the condition of fittings and fixtures etc.
  • Finally, the handover of the keys to your new tenant :)

Step 10: What’s After?

  • Typically, there is a 30-day Problem-Free Period Clause in the TA, which states ​that the new tenant is not responsible for any damages during this period.
  • Maintaining a good relationship with your tenants.
  • Pay annual income tax for the rental income received.

Should I Engage a Property Agent?

Engaging a property agent can save you time and handle various tasks, including ​addressing issues during the lease period.


A reliable agent should research the current rental market, create effective marketing ​campaigns, arrange viewing appointments, negotiate terms, screen tenants, handle ​paperwork promptly, and provide post-lease support. They ensure that rent is paid on ​time, the tenants comply with regulations, and assist with lease renewals.


Agent Fees

In Singapore, the common market rate is one month's rent for a 2-year lease and half ​a month's rent for leases of 1 year or less + Good & Services Tax (GST)