A useful guide to finding a HDB flat for rent

Property rentals in Singapore are fairly expensive compared to other cities in the region, and HDB flats are comparatively inexpensive compared to rental rates for private condominiums or apartments.

Location of rental flats also vary and may be walking distance from Orchard road ( such as those in Bras Basah or Bugis area ) or far away from the city centre ( think Jurong West and Boon Lay ). Rental rates for flats nearer the city centre are generally higher, but not prohibitively so.

Finding a rental flat can be easy, but finding one to your exact specifications if you are fussy may involve a lot of work.

Start by sourcing for rental flats. Our HDB flats for sale and rent database includes quite a number of flats for rent. Alternatives include the main daily newspaper, the Straits Times, as well as calling your property agent who may have a list of clients with flats for rent.

It will be useful if you have an idea of the area you want the flat to be in, or at least a general idea, whether it's near your work place, near eating places, near a supermarket, near an MRT station. All these will matter. Perhaps the scenery from the window makes a difference to you. Perhaps you like a high floor with a view of the sea.

Monthly rental may range as low as 500 to over a thousand Singapore dollars a month. You will also have to decide if you wish the flat to be furnished ( more expensive, obviously ) or if you will furnish it yourself.

Also discuss with the landlord who will be paying for the utility bills ( usually the tenant ) and who will be paying the conservancy fees as well as charges for repair of defective stuff, eg. plumbing, lighting, etc. ( usually the landlord ). All these should be spelt out in the tenancy agreement.