A payment made during negotiations should be documented clearly. Check what the payment represents, when it may be applied toward another sum and what happens if the transaction does not proceed.
Start with the document
Check the signed tenancy agreement, inventory and any written amendments or messages that form part of the arrangement. The exact facts and wording matter.
Keep evidence
Keep relevant photos, receipts, payment records and messages. Good records make it much easier to establish what happened and what was agreed.
Resolve it clearly
Communicate the issue and proposed solution clearly. If both sides agree to change an existing arrangement, record that agreement in writing.
Can I get my good-faith deposit back if the deal falls through?
A tenant transfers a reservation sum, then discovers the proposed lease does not include an agreed furnishing request.
What I would do
Before paying, record the purpose, recipient, refund conditions and whether the sum will become part of the security deposit or first rent; verify bank details independently; keep the LOI and payment proof.
JC's practical tip: There is no single automatic refund or forfeiture rule for every good-faith deposit. The agreed terms and circumstances matter.
Frequently asked questions
Is a good-faith deposit legally required? Not for every private residential tenancy. It is a negotiated payment arrangement, not a universal statutory step.
Should I pay an agent's personal account? Verify the recipient and instructions independently with the landlord or agency before transferring. Never rely solely on a last-minute message changing bank details.
Legal requirement vs agreement: Common market practice is not automatically law. Check your signed documents and current official guidance before acting.
General Singapore rental information only, not legal advice. Examples are illustrative; seek qualified advice for disputes.