Rental rules & dishwashers

[artraveler]

We're moving this summer, and haven't started talking with real estate agents yet (for rentals). One thing we've noticed is that all the condo rental properties have whitewashed walls and no dishwashers. Two questions: (1) is there a general rule regarding painting walls and hanging pictures or artwork in condos/landed homes and (2) should my husband start practicing hand drying now or are there dishwashers common in rental units? Thank you

[Makan24-7]

You can request for painted walls or ask permission from the landlord. Everything's negotiable but be prepared to give concessions since the rental market is overheated here in SG. But if you are looking for a 3 bedroom unit and more, it may not be as tough.

You can find dishwashers in condo units that have a lot of expats. That said, those units are more expensive to rent. Again, everything's negotiable....

I just managed to find a rental and it was a tough time coz I was looking at 2 bedroom units which are just going like hot cakes the moment they hit the market. Talk about having no leverage!

[lost_canuck]

if you want to buy a dishwasher yourself when you are here they range in price about 800 - 1400 S$, but I am not sure there are many condos with room for them, you'd have to ask the landlord, as for colour and pictures I assume as long as you leave it as you originally found it, why would there be a problem?

I mean you're not ripping down walls right?

[skye]

We've had a dishwasher in both our previous condo and our current house, but they were not cheap places and it depends to some extent on how much rent you pay and whether there is space and plumbing in the kitchen. I don't think they are so popular with Singaporeans as in Europe or US - after all, lots of people have maids to wash up As far as pictures go, you can hang them but be prepared to reinstate the walls before leaving and touch up the paint (easier if it's white) or there may be a deduction from your deposit. A lot of moving companies will do this for you when you leave. Our first landlord agreed to coloured walls at his expense, 2nd refused and wouldn't negotiate on this at all. You could do a few yourself but again you would have to put back to the original condition befoe leaving or expect it to come out of your deposit - and the landlord might use it as an excuse to repaint the whole place at your expense if you are unlucky.