Renting in Singapore: costs beyond the monthly rent
Monthly rent is only the first line. Deposit, utilities, internet and moving costs all shape your real budget, and who pays what varies by landlord and partner operator — what applies is the info shown on each listing plus the signed agreement. The breakdown below separates one-off from monthly as common practice.
Updated: 2026-09-03Author: PropertyCoco Rental Content TeamReviewed by: Singapore licensed real estate agentData source: Live listings from the platform and partner landlords/operators, refreshed daily
One-off at signing
- Security deposit: set by the landlord or operator, commonly one month's rent, returned per the agreement at move-out.
- First month's rent: most leases pay monthly in advance.
- Agent fee: whether it applies and how much depends on the channel and agreement — ask before signing.
- Rental Stamp Duty: calculated on the term's rent at current IRAS rates and usually borne by the tenant; a lease signed in Singapore must be stamped via IRAS e-Stamping within 14 days — see the IRAS Stamp Duty page.
Monthly running costs
- Utilities: most leases put water/electric/gas on the tenant; some landlords include them.
- Internet: usually arranged by the tenant.
- Condo management fees: generally the landlord's and included in rent; ask the operator if unsure.
Budgeting tip
Compare rent plus estimated utilities together: an "all-in" listing can cost less per month than a cheaper rent with big bills. Use budget brackets such as under-2000 to scope total cost in one view.
FAQ
Are utilities included in the rent?
Not always: most leases exclude them and the tenant pays, while some landlords include them — confirm the arrangement before signing.
Do tenants pay an agent fee?
Whether a fee applies depends on the channel — agent-arranged rentals commonly involve one, while dealing directly with a landlord usually does not. Follow the actual arrangement you engage.
Who pays condo management fees?
Usually the landlord, already inside the rent; a few differ — follow the contract and the info shown on the listing.
Browse real listings
All propertiesThese Q&A pages land on live listings matching each filter.