Singapore Expats

I rented a unit between 2023 and 2025. Initially, the estate agent branded our unit as "premium" and charged us a little shy of $6000 per month. It was a time when prices had soared for most condos in Singapore and since the unit has a lot of space and some things could be negotiable, we decided to rent the place.

After about a month or two, small things started to happen:

1. Tiles from the shower cubicle started to come off one by one;
2. Pieces of a "chandelier" light started to fall on the floor and shattered;
3. Wardrobe doors began coming off its rails;
4. Cockroaches appearing from the indoor chute;
5. Floor gratings inside the unit started to give out a foul stench;
6. Insatiable knocking and drainage sounds in the unit;
7. Lights from the stove hood failed to work;
8. Washing machine started to leave behind a whitish residue on our clothes.

Actions from the landlord:

1. Since most appliances in the unit are obsolete and /or that particular model are no longer available in Singapore, the landlord would hire cheap handyman to fix these parts with alternatives and sometimes these parts don't fit well in the original appliance;
2. The landlord constantly uses the $250 repair clause to fix all the broken / non-functioning items in the unit and this really added up to quite an amount;
3. Some parts of the unit are prone to being damage easily and hence the landlord would again hire these cheap contractors to "patch" up the problem;
4. ... and finally (my personal favourite!), the landlord would use my security deposit to fix all the existing problems from day one, including all wear and tear items such as the floor! I have written a letter of demand twice to get some of my money back but till now, there have been no replies.

Furthermore, this landlord had tried to dodge paying taxes and I had to act as her agent (official order from IRAS) to pay her taxes using my monthly rent on several occasions. I do not have any direct contact with the landlord as well. All complaints or queries had to go through either her assign estate agents or a "middle" person.

Currently, I have filed a complaint through the Small Claims Tribunal to get some of my money back. So, I am writing here to urge you to avoid this unit as well as the estate agent

These issues are quite common in Singapore units, especially those that are over 10–15 years old. I agree that some of the damages should reasonably be considered normal wear and tear. However, in the Singapore context, most landlords rely on the minor repair clause for tenants—otherwise, they may find themselves having to fix something almost every other week. For your next rental, it might be worth considering a newer project to reduce such problems. Based on many observed cases, I believe the Small Claims Tribunal would likely rule in favour of the landlord.

This is why it is so important to do an onboarding inspection of every nook & cranny of any unit you are going to rent. This has to be done before signing the lease or giving of a deposit. Photos or videos would be the safest method as well as a verbal/written account of the inspection. Two copies both signed by both landlord and tenent. One given to Landlord. Otherwise it's hard to prove. With documented proof of original condition at least you have a leg to stand on. Especially if furnishings/fixtures are old. Also it is a good idea if Air Conditioners are part of the lease then the maintenance should be spelled out for both parties especially what is constituted as quarterly maintenance, etc. Same goes for things like Fridges, Stoves, Hot water heaters, etc. Any apparent water leakages around appliances, toilets, Window Frames, etc. should be noted as should be any obvious wear & tear on furniture/wardrobes, Tables, chairs and who is responsible for same. If not spelled out and documented with receipts if you fixed it, keep receipts otherwise you will pay for it. If it's replacement of units ensure your liability for repairs or replacement at your cost or their cost before engaging anybody to do the work. Document, document, document (I cannot impress on the importance of this because local landlords do NOT retain your deposits (it's used on a overseas vacation generally) so generally look at your deposit as their monies and not yours. Forewarned is forearmed.

My experience of renting there as an expat for approximately 18 months is that the landlords, while being dishonest and doing everything they can to make me/you pay for things that are contractually there responsibility are not actually being nasty.

I think it's useful to remember the cultural differences between Singapore and other western cultures. I believe that landlord dishonesty and opportunistic behaviour isn't mean or nasty, instead it's based on the culture they've grown up in; which in most cases is Chinese. It's not wise to assume that Singaporeans have the same values and respect for morals and honesty that we do in the west (notwithstanding some outliers). China is an emerging economy and going through rapid development, so it's unlikely that the people will have the same values as people who have grown up in a more developed culture.

Although Singaporean landlords can be extremely frustrating for Westerners, I think it is wise not take it personally and instead use the legal avenues provided by the Sinaporean Government. In particular the Small Claims Tribunal. In many cases just the threat or initiation of a hearing is enough to make all but the worst landlords back down and do the morally correct thing. If your case does go to a hearing, you'll be ok as long as you are in the right and you have thorough documentation to support your claims. (You must have proper documentation).

Singapore is very good at upholding the law and has good support structures to support people who have been wronged - expat or not.

Abby's comment on 14 Aug 2025, is absolutely correct. Older apartments seem to degrade much more quickly in Singapore, so it's worthwhile looking at newer developments as a way of avoiding the continuous repairs that are needed with properties that are only 20+ years old.

An alternative to new projects is simpler apartments. Avoid built in furniture. Insist on new or almost new white goods. Negotiate the repair clause down to $50.