Singapore Expats

Hi all,


We are relocating to Singapore (with pets) and have been reading up the posts here which are really good advices. However, we are constantly met with roadblocks with agents not willing to change their boilerplate agreements which are pro landlords. This includes ridiculous LOI that is similar to viewtopic.php?f=91&t=123244&p=789541&hi ... nt#p789541 .

We are not trying to make the most bang for our bucks but simply looking for a fair contract and it has proven to be hard. Any advices would be appreciated, thanks!

You could skip the LOI altogether, the LOI puts you at risk not the LL. If you're serious about renting a place then execute a TA (but check all the clauses prior to signing). I've never used the LOI process and a LL who is serious to rent doesn't need one if you're prepared to execute a TA ASAP.

The other technique is to use an agent to act on your behalf. It might cost a bit more in commissions but they may be better at negotiating.

Also - do NOT rent sight unseen. There are far too many issues to check out which can only be done in person. Particularly around noise, damage that is not noted on your move in report and cleanliness.

PNGMK wrote: ↑

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 9:52 am

Also - do NOT rent sight unseen. There are far too many issues to check out which can only be done in person. Particularly around noise, damage that is not noted on your move in report and cleanliness.

Thanks, we have decided to use a tenant agent.
I agree regarding rent sight unseen, unfortunately we are unable to view in person because we are hoping to move in directly as we land. Thus we are viewing just from virtual tour or video on the unit and asking our Singapore friend advices on the area.

Don't move in direct. Rent a Serviced Apartment for a week. Set up 4 viewings a day and sign on the 5th day. Move in on 6th / 7th.

PNGMK wrote: ↑

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 2:48 pm

Don't move in direct. Rent a Serviced Apartment for a week. Set up 4 viewings a day and sign on the 5th day. Move in on 6th / 7th.

^^^^^^^THIS!^^^^^^^

PNGMK wrote: ↑

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 2:48 pm

Don't move in direct. Rent a Serviced Apartment for a week. Set up 4 viewings a day and sign on the 5th day. Move in on 6th / 7th.

Thanks for the link!! I will check it out

PNGMK wrote: ↑

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 9:52 am

Also - do NOT rent sight unseen. There are far too many issues to check out which can only be done in person. Particularly around noise, damage that is not noted on your move in report and cleanliness.

Yes, this is so important. Heard horror stories about tenants falling in love with a place online and moving in blind. By the time they move in and realize reality doesn’t match up to expectations, it’s too late and they’re locked into a 2 year lease.

crescentl wrote: ↑

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:28 pm

PNGMK wrote: ↑

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 9:52 am

Also - do NOT rent sight unseen. There are far too many issues to check out which can only be done in person. Particularly around noise, damage that is not noted on your move in report and cleanliness.

Thanks, we have decided to use a tenant agent.
I agree regarding rent sight unseen, unfortunately we are unable to view in person because we are hoping to move in directly as we land. Thus we are viewing just from virtual tour or video on the unit and asking our Singapore friend advices on the area.

Virtual tours are much better than just relying on pics, but I would still strongly suggest you take the steps to view in person. Important to envision yourself living there - observe the noise level, amount of natural light etc. All these are things that can’t be observed otherwise.