Looking for a room to rent? Whether you searching for new accommodation because your current lease is up or because you’ve just moved to Singapore, it can be easy to be caught up in the frenetic pace of apartment hunting. But renting is serious business. Before you sign the lease, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls.
1. Not reading the Tenancy Agreement carefully
The Tenancy Agreement is an important piece of document that contains all the terms and conditions of your lease. This includes the payment terms, duration of the rental and the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. Be sure to go through this document carefully before signing it as it forms a written contract between you and your landlord.
2. Not inspecting the room before renting
It’s important to go down to the apartment and inspect the room and unit before you decide sign on the dotted line. After all, seeing is believing. During the visit, you can check whether the room and unit is in good living condition. Check whether the apartment is well maintained. Look out for any damages, pests or leaks.
3. Not asking questions
When you are liasing with the landlord or property agent, it’s important to ask questions. Take this opportunity to clarify any doubts you may have before committing to the lease. Some questions you might want to ask include whether utilities or wifi are included in the rent, what the house rules are and what the notice period for the termination of the lease.
4. Not checking the location
It’s important to walk around the location of the rental unit to check out the neighbourhood. You should time how far it takes for you to get to the nearest bus stop or MRT train station and find out whether there are any supermarkets, hawker centres, provision shops or restaurants nearby. After all, a convenient location makes it worth your while to rent the unit.
5. Not knowing your rights
As a tenant, it’s important to know your rights. You should have a right to privacy, a right to repairs in a timely matter and have access to a habitable living space. The terms and conditions of your Tenancy Agreement should also be fair to you, as a tenant as well as your landlord.
