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General Enquiries
1. What are the types of properties available for rent?
There are several options to choose from when considering the different types of property available for rent. HDB Flats You can rent either entire units or one bedroom. Usually master bedrooms come with a bathroom en suite and therefore cost more than common rooms. Note that subletting an entire apartment requires permission from the Housing Development Board, and that subletting a bedroom is only possible for 3-bedroom flats or larger. An entire unit would cost $2,500 to $3,500 per month on average to rent in Singapore, while a room can cost between $500 and $1,000. It’s important to agree beforehand on issues such as the sharing of electricity, water and telephone bills and privacy rights. Service Apartments These usually have gyms, cafes, business centres and cleaning services. The monthly rental prices for these typically range from $2,500 to $6,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $5,000 to $10,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Condominiums These are properties with facilities such as security, gyms and pools. Smaller condominiums may not have as many facilities. Monthly rental costs for condominiums typically range between $2,500 and $10,000 for entire units. It is also possible to rent rooms in Condominiums Landed Property Landed property are houses and includes Terrace Houses, Semi-detached houses and Bungalows (detached houses) Depending on the location and the size of the house, rents for landed property can vary from $10,000 to $30,000 per month. Landed property can be split into three main types: 2. What are the rental conditions in Singapore? Rental apartments come fully furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished. Fully furnished means the apartment comes with a complete set of furniture, appliances (e.g. television, microwave oven) and white goods (e.g. refrigerator, washing machine). Partially furnished means the apartment comes with the essential white goods, lights and curtains, but no or little furniture. Unfurnished means the house is renovated but bare, perhaps only with the lights fitted. Of course you can always request for the landlord to add items – these can all be negotiated before you sign the tenancy agreement and can be incorporated into the rent. Naturally, fully furnished units and rooms will cost more than unfurnished properties. 3. Can I have friends and family come to stay? Most accommodation service providers and landlords do not allow parents or friends to stay with their children/friend. They are advised to stay at a hotel, serviced apartment or hostel of their choice during their visit in Singapore. 4. What happens in case of dispute? Please try to resolve all disputes with landlords amicably as it minimises both cost and time for both parties. For an explanation of types of disputes and how to resolve them, please read https://www.99.co/blog/singapore/resolving-tenancy-disputes-singapore/ However, if you still face issues, please contact Thanneer, our Campus Experience Manager at lakshmanant@essec.edu 5. My question is not answered here, who should I contact? For questions regarding student accommodation, please email Thanneer, our Campus Experience Manager at lakshmanant@essec.edu |
Rental Process
1. How do I rent a property in Singapore?
1. Decide on your budget 2. Decide on the type of property and the location 3. Gather a pool of specific options 4. Arrange for property viewings: 5. Sign the Letter of Intent:
For a detailed step-buy-step guide, please refer to https://myarrivalatessecap.weebly.com/how-to-rent-a-place.html 2. How do I meet Potential Roomates/Housemates? You may meet other students at your respective ESSEC program FB pages e.g. ESSEC GBBA 2020 or ESSEC AP Campus Life 3. How do I take over the lease from current students? For now, you may reach out to current students at ESSEC AP Campus Life In the near future, you may view properties listed by current students, and also discuss with other students at the Online Discussion Forum. 4. Do I need to pay a security deposit for my accommodation? Yes. For all accommodation service providers, they require a security deposit to confirm the accommodation. Most deposit amount will be equivalent to one calendar month’s rent and is refundable at the end of your accommodation contract. However, it is subjected to meeting contract obligations, such as leaving the room tidy, no damage, and etc. 5. I don't prefer to engage ESSEC's recommended service providers. Is it possible to make my own arrangements? If you decide to make their own arrangements, we advise that you ensure the provider is legitimate and that they are well aware of regulations by different government regulatory boards on accommodation. For Housing & Development Board (HDB) rental, the landlord must seek HDB approval prior to registering student as a tenant. Minimum rental period at HDB rooms/flats is 6 months. For private residential rental, landlord doesn’t need to seek approval from Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Maximum number of occupants in the unit is 6. And the minimum rental period is 3 months. Students may visit the following property rental websites. https://www.99.co/ https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/ https://www.srx.com.sg/ https://www.iproperty.com.sg/ 6. How does a Tenancy Agreement look like? Please find a sample Tenancy Agreement. Most agents and service providers use a similar agreement. However some clauses may differ. So, please read the Tenancy Agreement carefully before signing it. 7. Is there a French version of the Tenancy Agreement? All legal documents in Singapore are in English. We are in the process of doing a simple translation of a Sample Tenancy Agreement and we will be sharing it soon. 8. If I am under-18, can I sign the Tenancy Agreement? If you are under-18, you may ask one of your parents or guardians to sign the Tenancy Agreement. If they are based overseas, they can provide an electronic signature. In all cases, a proof of ID (National Identity Card or Passport copy) must be provided. |
Facilities & Other Services
1. Is the cost of utilities (water, gas and electricity) included in the rent?
This would depend on the type of property you are renting. Our recommended accommodation service providers have various regulations in terms of payment of utilities. Some of them include the utility cost into the monthly rental rate, while some of them charge it separately on top of the monthly rental rate. And some cap it i.e. it is included up to a certain amount and anything above is borne by the tenants. 2. Is internet connection included in the rent? Most accommodations include internet connection into the monthly rental rate. However, there may be a few e.g. HDB flats that do not include this. Students are advised to check with their landlord whether the wireless internet connection is included in the monthly rent. 3. What kind of facilities are in the rooms? Most rooms rented out to students in Singapore have a set of basic items that are provided. These include a bed, personal locker/wardrobe, air-conditioner, study table, chair, table lamp and power sockets. Students are advised to check with the landlord the full list of facilities offered. 4. What kind of facilities are in the apartment and apartment block? The facilities vary with different properties. Please check with the accommodation service provider or landlord for a full list of facilities. Generally, hostels come with a common area, lounge, basic sports facilities, laundromat, and a BBQ area. Most condominium units will be fully furnished with a TV, refrigerator, hob, washing machine. In the condominium building, you will usually find a gym, swimming pool, BBQ area and a function room/club house. Others might have tennis courts, squash courts, and volleyball courts. 5. General Advice on Accommodation in Singapore Singapore is a multicultural country and you may find customs and religions different from those in yours. Part of your education experience in Singapore is to be able to adapt to the new environment along with being socially integrated. Some of the common courtesies to observe are as follow: a. Generally it is custom in Singapore to remove your shoes before you enter a house and leave them at the door b. Keep your accommodation clean and tidy c. Keep the kitchen clean and wash up cutlery and crockery daily d. Keep the bathroom clean by washing it regularly. Flush the toilet after use e. Organise a timetable for use of the washing machine. Take in your laundry when it is dry to allow others in the house to do their washing. The washing machine is meant for washing your clothes and linen. Do not wash footwear in the washing machine Religious practices - You may be sharing your accommodation with people of different religions. It is important to respect their beliefs and not impose your beliefs on others. Religious rituals - Your housemates will respect your need to pray, but to show mutual respect, keep your religious practices private. Conduct your prayers in your own room. Do not disturb your housemates in the common room with the burning of incense and other religious rituals. Storing food - The consumption or handling of certain food is prohibited in some religions. Please respect your housemates' religious dietary restrictions. For example, Muslims do not eat pork or cook with alcohol or pork fat (lard). Hindus and Buddhists do not eat beef and some may be vegetarians. Ensure that you store and cook these products separately if your housemate observes these religious practices. Household etiquette - Although you may feel you have gained a degree of freedom by living away from home, you should still observe some basic rules of household etiquette: a. Obtain permission from your landlord if you are bringing guests to stay b. Observe curfew hours by not returning home too late and be careful not to disturb the household upon your return c. Do not smoke in your room d. For the protection of your possessions and for your personal safety, keep your room locked at all times |
