Eight plain-English guides covering the whole tenancy: utilities, broadband, the move-in walkthrough, condo registration, expat admin, aircon and repairs, the tenancy agreement itself, and getting your deposit back at the end. Written by a leasing agent who has walked hundreds of tenants and expats through it.
Read the tenancy agreement guide before you sign. Then utilities, internet, and the move-in walkthrough in that order. The rest are for the first month and the last month. Each guide has the documents to prepare, the timeline, the typical costs, and the mistakes that cost tenants their deposit.
Open your SP account, pick an electricity retailer, and get gas and water running before you move in.
Read the guideCompare Singtel, StarHub, M1, SIMBA, and MyRepublic, check your fibre point, and book installation early.
Read the guideHandover inventory, condition photos, meter readings, condo move-in permits, and the first-week setup list.
Read the guideMCST resident registration, access cards, car park, visitor system, lift booking, and the by-laws that catch new tenants out.
Read the guideSingpass, bank account, mobile SIM, driving licence, schools, helper, and address updates, in the order that unblocks the rest.
Read the guideQuarterly servicing, the minor repair clause, what the tenant pays, what the landlord pays, and how to report a fault properly.
Read the guideLOI, security deposit, diplomatic clause, stamp duty, and the seven clauses to read twice before you sign.
Read the guideNotice, reinstatement, cleaning, final handover, closing accounts, and how to get the full deposit back on time.
Read the guide| When | What to do | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Before signing | Read the LOI and tenancy agreement clause by clause: deposit, diplomatic clause, minor repair cap, reinstatement. | Tenancy agreement |
| Day 1 (TA signed) | Stamp the tenancy agreement on the IRAS e-Stamping portal (tenant usually pays). Confirm handover date and time with the landlord or agent. | Move-in checklist |
| 7 to 10 days before | Apply for your SP Services account online. Pick an Open Electricity Market retailer if you want to. | SP Services |
| 7 to 10 days before | Check whether the unit has a fibre termination point, then sign up for broadband and book the installation slot. | Broadband |
| 3 to 5 days before | Submit the condo move-in form to the management office, book the lift, and pay any refundable renovation or moving deposit. | Move-in checklist |
| Handover day | Walk the unit with the inventory list, photograph every defect, record meter readings, collect keys, access cards, and remotes. | Move-in checklist |
| Week 1 | Broadband installed, aircon serviced, mail redirected, contents insurance arranged, resident registration and access cards done. | Condo registration |
| Month 1 | Singpass, bank account, SIM, driving licence conversion, school and helper admin, ICA and MOM address updates. | Expat essentials |
| Every quarter | Aircon serviced, receipts filed. Report faults in writing the day you find them. | Aircon and repairs |
| 2 months before lease ends | Serve notice, book the cleaners and aircon, plan the joint inspection, and start the deposit refund clock. | Moving out |
Landlords and fellow agents: feel free to send this page to your incoming tenants. It saves everyone a week of back-and-forth WhatsApp messages.
Start about 7 to 10 days before your move-in date. SP Services can usually activate within a few working days, but broadband installation often takes 3 to 7 working days if a fibre termination point already exists, and longer if a new point needs to be installed.
Singpass makes it faster, but it is not required. Foreigners on a new work pass can apply with a passport or FIN card and a copy of the signed tenancy agreement. Each guide below lists the exact documents.
In most Singapore tenancy agreements the tenant opens and pays for utilities, broadband, and mobile lines in their own name. The landlord covers property tax, MCST maintenance fees, and fire insurance. Always check your specific tenancy agreement.
Yes. Keith Tan Associates handles condo and landed leasing across Singapore, with a focus on the prime districts and expat relocation. WhatsApp Keith with your budget, preferred area, and move-in date.
Division Director, ERA Realty Network. CEA R003793E. 25 years in Singapore property, leading Keith Tan Associates (KTA) within HexaGroup. Keith and his team handle leasing, expat relocation, TOP handovers, and resale across Singapore's prime districts, and every KTA tenant gets this setup guide as part of the move-in service.
Tenants: tell me your budget, district, and move-in date and I will shortlist units that fit. Landlords: get a free rental assessment and a tenant-ready handover checklist for your unit.
General information only. Not financial or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional. Provider fees, deposits, and timelines are estimates only, not guaranteed, and may change. Always confirm with the provider.