What should I look out for when renting houses

[momopeach]

I'm going to start looking for a place to stay. Is there anything I should look out for to protect myself? Do I need to draft a contract even if I'm just renting a room? Please share more information with me. Thank you.

[ksl]

I'm going to start looking for a place to stay. Is there anything I should look out for to protect myself? Do I need to draft a contract even if I'm just renting a room? Please share more information with me. Thank you.

You make a check list of every possible item, starting from the entrance, scan the walls for holes and repair work, windows and frames, take a camera, and take pics of any likely faults, damage or stains, then scan the ceiling and light fittings be systematic. Next the floor before moving to the next room, until you have checked everything. Including any furniture for fair wear and tear, or damage .Do not leave anything unchecked, if it's a house do the outside, walls and garden. making notes of everything.

You can then give a copy to the landlord and insist it is noted in the contract. To minimise your risk of losing your deposit.

[sierra2469alpha]

Top advice from KSL and just to back it up - if your digital camera has a movie function, it may prove useful for you to use that function and the associated voice recording to point out exactly the issues.

Oh, and MAKE SURE you have the date/time correct on your camera. I for one have stuffed that up more than once!

Burn all of that onto a standard CD or DVD and you'll have done probably as much as you can do.

The search function here in the forum will bring up many people's experiences with tenancy agreements, letters of intent, etc. I'd suggest you use this function to see what other people have experienced - there really is a wealth of information here!

HTH, Mr. P

[deepsen]

It is very important to get a feel of the landlord and his broker. We stayed in Cairnhill Plaza on the 4th level (Block 53). Nice apartment though old and not renovated. The downside was the broker, Ken. He is an uncouth and rough character. We didnt realise how nasty he was till we left (on 15th March 2009). It took us 2.5 months to get our deposit back after following up every second day. Something which should not take more than 10 days. Ken would come up with all sorts of reasons - shelves not clean, curtain not put back, walls have been repainted etc. I was close to filing a legal case when I finally got the cheque. Clearly there was no problem as I got the full amount back. The experience was horrible. So please beware of characters like Ken. I understand the landlady is also very difficult.

[ching]

Check the conditions of the appliances and white good (refrigerator, aircons, etc). If they're old or look like they're about to go soon - ask to have them replaced.

The landlord will be responsible for any major repairs, but minor repairs up to a certain dollar value are usually paid by the renter... and it can add up to a good chunk of change if a number of things need minor repairs around the same time!

Landlords are usually fine with adding one or two small appliances. We've been able to request microwave/convection ovens, dryer, and so on.

[momopeach]

Thank you very much people. Do keep the comments coming in.

Do I have to prepare a contract myself if there is no agent involve?
What are the information that has to be stated in the contract?

[jpatokal]

Thank you very much people. Do keep the comments coming in.

See also http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic60579.html .

Do I have to prepare a contract myself if there is no agent involve?
What are the information that has to be stated in the contract?

Never heard of anybody preparing their own contracts in Sg -- surely your landlord can get you a copy of the previous tenancy agreement?