Renting a room - tips, agreements etc

[Rich_UKExpat]

Hi

When renting a room from someone in an apartment/house etc, what kind of tenancy agreement should I expect?

Any tips on what to look for when renting a room etc?

Thanks in advance.

Rich

[Saint]

Are you renting a room from a local owner who either lives in the apt or not, or from a tenant who is subletting?

[Rich_UKExpat]

Are you renting a room from a local owner who either lives in the apt or not, or from a tenant who is subletting?

No room rented yet, I just need to get a good idea of what to expect when showing interest in a place.

Local owner or sublet, well either or really, depends on what I find. I assume I will expect a different contract between the two?

[beppi]

There are no fixed rules for this in Singapore. Arrangements vary from informal flexibility without written document to one or two years fixed contract. When sharing a place (especially if it's with a family), don't expect as much privacy as you'd have in the West - and specifically ask about using the kitchen (which is often not allowed) and other shared things, as well as having visitors (which might also be disliked).
And: Since you as a tenant have no legal rights here other than those specifically spelt out in a (written) contract, it's better to rent from somebody you can trust!

[carteki]

From what I have seen there are 2 main types of room rental in Singapore
1) Boarding type establishment where as many people as possible are fitted into the apartment and you have no say in who comes in. Usually the landlord is absent and you have limited use of communal facilities (kitchen / lounge) (probably also don't share utilities)

2) Western-style apartment share where a person is trying to share the cost of the apartment with another. Most lease agreements in SG do not allow subletting, so if you're renting from a tenant then it is "under the counter"

You don't have to sign a specific lease agreement (not common in the 2nd version at all - basic rules of 1 month deposit, 1 month notice and sharing of expenses apply)

Agents are very good at finding type 1 - they are not so good at type 2 (and after a bad experience I refuse to deal with them). There are 3 sites where it is best to find type 2 accommodation (of which SG classifieds is one) do a web search. Free sites seem to attract agents and type 1 accommodation.

My 2c on the scene here...

[therat]

If possible, rent direct from owner not from a main tenant who is subletting.

You will not know what will be TA term look like, the owner had with the main tenant.
Some main tenant subletting the house without the owner approve. When owner find out, owner has the right to ask sub-tenant to leave.

And HDB don't allow tenant subletting

[cinder]

the contract usually covers the major issues such as bill payment, PUB arrangement, whether cooking is allowed, whether friends are allowed to stay over etc. which is pretty straightforward - sign it only if you like it.

most inconveniences though, usually arise from day-to-day activities by inconsiderate flatmate(s). having a person-in-charge in the house is better, as opposed having person-in-charge who is only coming over now and then. flatmates whom you think you can communicate with (similar age group, similar situation etc.) are usually easier to deal with than ones not. the more detailed 'rules & regulations in the house' mentioned usually indicates better household. of course, none of them guarantees a happy ending.

the golden rules: no more than 3 persons including yourself (you may want to allow weekenders but only 3 of the permanent residents) and ALWAYS include the early termination process in the contract - insist to add one if there is none.

good luck.