Start up costs for condo rental / other accommodation

[Controller]

I'm trying to get a move down to Singapore and back into the banking game. Now I don't expect top draw salaries straight off and as all costs will likely be coming from my pocket, I need some help with the numbers.

At the moment I'm going to commute for meetings from Bangkok (I live in Thailand) and stay in hotels. Anyone know a good deal on a reasonable hotel please let me know.

If I get a hire or I need to network, then I will need accommodation ASAP. Hotels can fulfill that immediate need but what about my own place ?

I've read back a few pages on here and some of the local "laws
or rules are similar to Tokyo (read rip off). What is this rubbish about the tenant paying commission for the landlord renting out a property ? Do people really put up with that and is it actually law or just another scam ?

What about deposits ? Who holds them and what happens if Mr Landlord decides the scratch on the kitchen table costs USD 10k to fix ?

How usual is sharing here ? I see some ads but the price of accommodation seems to tell me that sharing would be the only option for many - no ?

Where's the best place to live not too far away from the banks and not too expensive ?

Chuck up anything please and I'll do some more looking but old info is dead. Thanks.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Chuck up anything please and I'll do some more looking but old info is dead. Thanks.

Most all of your question are already in this forum. Just read anything for the past 6 months and it will still be relevant with the exception of the actual rental levels which are rising around 8-15%/month.

[margt]

I think the landlords are picking up the agents comm these days since there isn't that much around for <2.5k anymore unless your looking at a HDB....

There have been many posts on landlords holding back deposits, suggest you take a read through some of these as there are a few cases. I guess you need to be vigilant when you 'check in' and make sure any defects are documented in the inventory so you are no liable.

Any claim that is unrealistic in terms of holding back a considerable amount of deposit should be met with you assigning a contractor yourself to do the work. That's my philosphy anyway...

[rob w]

my work mate was charged commission by the agent even on a 3.2K rental , the agent said its normal now. It seems they are taking two bites from the cake.
This was yesterday