Renting in a new country requires a bit of street smarts. While the city is incredibly safe, navigating the market to find a secure apartment rental in Singapore still requires due diligence. You don’t want to get stuck in a contract that doesn’t serve you, or worse, lose your deposit due to a technicality.
Here are the top red flags to watch for when viewing homes.
1. The “Photoshop” Reality
If the photos in the listing look warped or oddly stretched, they are using a wide-angle lens to make a shoebox look like a palace. Tip: Always ask for a video tour or, better yet, use a verified platform that offers 3D walkthroughs. If the landlord refuses a viewing or is vague about the details, walk away. Trust your gut—if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
2. The Missing “Diplomatic Clause”
This is non-negotiable for expats. A Diplomatic Clause allows you to terminate your lease early (usually after 12 months) if your employment is terminated or you are transferred out of Singapore. If a landlord tries to remove this from a 2-year lease, do not sign it. Without this clause, you could be liable for the rent for the entire duration of the lease, even if you are no longer in the country.
3. Hidden Costs
Ideally, your rent should be a single number. But in the traditional market, you might get hit with separate bills for Wi-Fi setup, quarterly air-con servicing (mandatory in most contracts), and minor repair clauses (where you pay the first $150–$200 of any repair). Make sure you know exactly what “rent” covers before you commit so you don’t get “bill shock” later.
4. The Absent Landlord
Renting directly from an individual landlord can be hit or miss. Some are amazing; others are unresponsive when the water heater breaks or the aircon leaks. This is why many expats prefer co-living or managed apartments, where there is a dedicated support team to handle maintenance tickets promptly.
5. High-Pressure Tactics
Be wary of agents who pressure you to sign immediately because “someone else is transferring the deposit right now.” While the Singapore market moves fast, high-pressure sales tactics are often used to hide flaws in the property or contract. Always take the time to read the Tenancy Agreement thoroughly and ensure the person renting to you actually owns the property.
