Tenants

Your Guide to Renting a Home

Rental Property Search

Need help with finding rental property in Singapore? Whether you’re moving from across the street or overseas, our rental property sourcing service helps take the hassle of finding a rental property.

Here’s how it works:

  • We begin by getting you to complete our relocation needs analysis.  Not only do we want to know about the type of property you’re looking for, but also about your lifestyle, priorities, commute and the needs of your family.  
  • Once we’ve narrowed down the area, we then research listings and contact agents to find out what’s available, on and off market.  Our understanding of the market ensures we ask the right questions of the agent, so no one’s time is wasted inspecting a property that simply doesn’t fit your criteria.
  • In an accompanied search we travel with you to all inspections. If you’re not in a position to visit properties yourself, then we will inspect on your behalf. We will provide detailed notes and, wherever possible, video the home.
  • We then guide you through the application process. We know what agents are looking for and how to make you stand out from the crowd.
  • We assist with the final steps in the tenancy – lease review, bond, utilities, etc.
  • Additional services can include completing the condition report, organizing rental furniture, providing short term accommodation options until you move in, etc.

What are you looking for in a rental property in Singapore?

Before you start your search for a rental property in Singapore, you need to consider a few key questions to establish exactly what the rental property needs to deliver. What are your need-to-haves and nice-to-haves?

  • How many bedrooms are you looking for?
  • Would you like to live in a HDB, a condo or a house?
  • Do you have a preference for new-build properties, modern or older style homes?
  • Are you looking for outside space such as a balcony, patio or garden?
  • Where in Singapore would you like to be living?
  • Is having a car park a priority?
  • Are you keen to have shops, bars and restaurants nearby?
  • How important are good transport links?
  • Are you looking for a child-friendly property?
  • Do you need to be in the catchment area for good schools?
  • Do you have a pet?

Once you’ve established your search criteria for your rental home in Singapore, it’s a good idea to get a feel for your favored neighbourhood. Research potential areas in as much detail as you can and spend a little time there. Think about transport links and your commute to work, and the kind of local amenities that are important to you.

Why use a leasing agent?

Your property search will start with a look around the market to get an idea of rental properties available in your preferred area, most likely by visiting popular property portals such as propertyguru & 99.co. Your next step is to register with local leasing agents that specialise in the type of property you are looking for. At Ping Property, we know from experience that new rental properties in Singapore come and go very quickly, often before they are listed on propertyguru.

Renting through an agent will ensure that your experience is up to standard, while providing reassurance that your tenancy will be dealt with professionally. The agent will be your ongoing point of contact for the duration of the tenancy.

When you find a suitable rental property in Singapore, be ready to act quickly. The Singapore rental market moves fast and there can be a great deal of competition for the best properties. Be fully prepared with the right paperwork, and take your passport and references with you on a viewing. This gives you the best chance of being able to secure the property straight away.

Most landlords are looking for tenants to occupy a property as soon as the previous tenant has vacated it, and usually 2-4 weeks after your offer has been agreed. Where necessary, Ping Property can expedite this for you.

What happens at a property viewing?

At Ping Property, we will always endeavour to arrange property viewings at times that best suit you, and one of our team will accompany you on weekdays, evenings and, by appointment, at weekends. The more properties we view with you, the better equipped we are to understand the kind of property you are after.

We recommend that you come armed with a few questions or a checklist when viewing a property you are interested in renting in Singapore. Wherever possible, try to get all the information you need for the HDB, condo or house that is going to be your home for the foreseeable future, to avoid any potential surprises further down the line.

Once you have found a property that suits your needs, let us know that you wish to make an offer and we will submit it on your behalf to the landlord, both verbally and in writing. At this point, it is important to state the length of tenancy you require along with any special conditions. This will assist the landlord in their decision making.

Any offer you make on a property will be subject to satisfactory references and subject to contract. Until a tenancy agreement is agreed and fully executed (signed by both parties), your offer is not legally binding on either you or the landlord.

How do you make an offer on a rental property?

When an acceptable monthly rent has been agreed with the landlord, we will require one month’s holding deposit from you in order to take the rental property off the market and out of reach of other prospective tenants.

What happens when you sign the tenancy agreement?

A tenancy agreement will be drawn up for you. This is a legally binding contract that clearly specifies the rent payable, the duration of the tenancy, your responsibilities and rights, the landlord’s responsibilities and the scheme under which your security deposit will be held. You will be asked to make arrangements for any tenancy monies due to be transferred, as these will need to be paid in cleared funds by the tenancy start date.

When can you move into your new rental property?

Once the tenancy agreement has been signed, we will ask you for funds for the one or two months security deposit and one month advanced rent. You will also need to make time to meet at the unit to go through the property’s contents and condition. Although this can be done without you being present, it is advisable that you attend for your own peace of mind.

The inventory is a list of everything that comes with the property, including furniture, appliances, fixtures and fittings. The condition of all items will be noted in the inventory. Do check everything thoroughly before you sign the inventory and make sure all defects are listed. You can also take your own photos or even a video as evidence. This will help resolve any potential disputes should they arise at the end of your tenancy.

Ping Property will assist you with arranging a change of utility providers. The landlord’s agent will then hand over the keys to your new rental home in Singapore.