For a practical budget, use the following fixed figures as the amounts you should plan to pay each month. These are not ranges or estimates, they are the target values you should expect when signing a standard tenancy in the current market. A private room in a legally sublet HDB flat will be priced at 950 Singapore dollars per month. A master bedroom in an HDB flat with anensuite bathroom will be priced at 1,450 Singapore dollars per month. For private condominiums a standard private room is 1,250 Singapore dollars per month and a master bedroom with an ensuite in a mid-range condo building is 2,200 Singapore dollars per month.Co-living providers offering furnished rooms with utilities and cleaning included charge 2,200 Singapore dollars per month for rooms in central neighbourhoods and 1,800 Singapore dollars per month in suburban locations.
These monthly figures assume that water and broadband internet up to 200 megabits persecond are included. Electricity is billed separately and the fixed monthly electricity contribution you should plan for is 60 Singapore dollars for a single occupant in a medium sized room withlight air conditioning use. If you will run air conditioning for eight hours daily for work from home plan an electricity contribution of 140 Singapore dollars per month. Garbage and lift maintenance are part of management fees paid by the owner in condominiums and are notbilled separately to room tenants. For HDB rooms there is no separate management fee passedto tenants; owners factor building up keep into the rent.
Upfront costs follow a single straight forward rule. Prepare one month of rent as the security deposit plus the first month’s rent on move in. If you use a property agent and take a twelve month tenancy there is an agent fee equal to one month’s rent payable by the tenant; if you do not use an agent there is no agency fee. Preferred payment method is bank transfer to a Singapore bank account and always obtain a transfer receipt.
Use these fixed numbers to build your cash flow plan: deposit equal to one month’s rent, first month’s rent, and electricity contribution where applicable. If you budget these exact values you will avoid surprises and can move quickly when you find a suitable room.
How to verify listings and protect your payment security
Verify the landlord and the unit documentation
The first non negotiable step is confirming the person you meet actually has the legal right torent the room. Ask to see either the HDB subletting approval for HDB flats or a recent utility billand title deed excerpt for private condominiums. A genuine owner will show either the official subletting approval screenshot from HDB my Dashboard or a utility bill carrying the same nameas the person you meet. If the owner is represented by an agent request written authorisation from the owner with contact details you can call.
When you receive documentation, confirm the block and unit number and then cross check that information against the building directory or management office. If any document looks edited, blurred or inconsistent with the unit you visited, pause and request an official copy. If the person refuses to provide documents or avoids producing ID while insisting on payment, treat the listing as high risk and step away.
Payment protocol to protect your funds
Never transfer funds before you sign a tenancy agreement and complete a move in inventory.The safe payment process consists of three sequential actions: view the unit in person or via alive video walkthrough with the owner holding identification, sign a written tenancy agreement that lists rent, deposit, utilities and inventory, then transfer funds by bank transfer to the account name that matches the owner documents. Obtain and keep screenshots of every transfer and ask for a written receipt from the landlord.
If you must move before these steps are possible, use a licensed serviced apartment or anestablished co-living provider instead of sending money to a private landlord sight unseen. That precaution safeguards your payment while you complete verification checks for a longer term option.
Move in process and roommate agreement essentials
A smooth move in depends on clarity and a short documented checklist completed on day one. Before you list the key items, understand that getting agreement on shared responsibilities prevents the majority of conflicts. Take two careful minutes to explain expectations and thenformalise them in simple writing.
- Inventory and condition report
Record every item in the room and shared spaces. Photograph furniture, fixtures and any existing damage from at least three angles and create a dated folder. Both you and the landlord or primary tenant should sign and retain a copy. This prevents unwarranted deposit deductions at the end of tenancy.
- Bills and payment schedule
Agree which utilities are included and which are shared. If the landlord includes water and internet, the tenant will typically contribute to electricity. Decide whether electricity is split equally or apportioned by room usage and document the chosen method. Appoint oneperson to pay bills and circulate proof of payment within three days of settling eachinvoice.
- Cleaning and shared chores
Create a simple weekly rotation for cleaning common areas and agree on consequencesfor missed duties. If you prefer paid cleaning, set the frequency and share the cost inwriting. Clear expectations here remove recurring friction.
- Guests and overnight stays
Specify guest limits and overnight visitor policies. For example, allow day time guestsfreely but require notice for overnight stays longer than two nights and limit frequency toprotect privacy. Put the rule in writing with a simple notice procedure.
After the list, finalise a short written roommate agreement that states rent amount, deposit, utility responsibilities, cleaning roster and a two week notice period for leaving. Keep all communication by messaging or email so there is a clear record. If you want to browse current listings that match these conditions, visit this page for up to date options: rent room Singapore Arriving with these elements completed ensures you move into a room with transparent expectations, protected funds and a clear path to a peaceful shared living arrangement.