Renting a place in Singapore isn’t all that hard considering all the amazing options we have. Be it a flat in Jurong or an expensive penthouse in Orchard, there are no dearth of options. But we know how tough it can be to zero in on the right place.
Knowing the right questions to ask can help you get started in your search for the place. Here goes!
How much am I ready to spend?
Who wouldn’t love to stay in a penthouse with a breathtaking view? But alas, just the thought of the rent scares the living daylights out of our bank balance! It is important to ask yourself how much you are willing to spend on rent before you go apartment hunting.
Deciding on a budget will not only help you narrow down your choices but it will also save you a lot of time.
Include agent fees, maintenance costs, and deposit amount along with the rent amount when you are deciding on a budget. This will also help you prepare in advance in case you need some financial assistance to rent the place.
Do you want a furnished apartment?
Interior Designer: Maryna Vaseiko
If you’ve ever been out hunting for an apartment, you’d know that you have the option of fully furnished and partially furnished apartments. A fully furnished apartment is a more convenient option as you do not have to purchase new furniture but it is also a bit more expensive. If you already own furniture, it is advisable to go for a partially furnished apartment.
How convenient is the place?
So, you’ve decided on the kind of apartment you want. Next, comes the location. This is one question you need to ask yourself before even considering a place for rent. There is no point of renting a place in Woodlands and travelling all the way to MBFC to work.
The place you are renting should ideally be closer to your place of work so that it is convenient to travel to work.
Sure, it can be cheaper to live on the outskirts, away from the hustle-bustle of the city but this won’t work in your favour when you are stuck in a traffic jam on your way to work, contemplating your life decisions.
What kind of amenities are nearby?
It is always important to check with the landlord about the kind of amenities nearby.
Check if the place has ample parking, supermarkets nearby, childcare, bus stops and more before signing an agreement.
At the end of the day, you don’t want to end up with a nice place but have to walk 20min before getting to the coffee shop.
Is there a penalty for terminating the lease early?
Many Singaporeans do not ask this question before renting a place and land themselves in quite a bit of trouble later. More often than not, landlords charge a heavy fee when you terminate the lease before it expires.
Ask the landlord about the early-release fee, if any. Most of the times, this is not included in the agreement and you will be forced to pay a hefty fee later. Hence, it is very important to check what it will cost you if you break the lease before it expires.
Does the place have any stringent rules?
Okay, you’ve finally found a place that you love and, it fits your budget. What now? More questions, of course.
It is important to ask your prospective landlord about any rules associated with the place.
Some landlords have a strict no-pets policy while other landlords have stringent rules when it comes to the guest policy. Some don’t even let you drive a nail into the wall to hang up your family picture!
Ensure that you are clear about the rules associated with the place before making any decision.
What’s the agent fee?
This question is applicable when you consult an agency or an agent to help you rent an apartment. These third parties usually charge a month’s rent as their brokerage fee but there are several agents who charge quite a hefty fee for their services.
You wouldn’t want to find the place of your dreams and then let go of it because you couldn’t afford to pay the middleman!
Ensure you know about the charges before you engage any of the services offered by the agency. You might also want to consider clarifying if you or your landlord will be expected to pay the broker commission.
These questions will definitely help you out when you go apartment renting! Also, ensure your credit scores are good so that you face no hassle in getting the place that you want!
