THE SIMPLE VERSION
Once an offer is accepted, confirm the terms, complete the necessary checks, sign the tenancy agreement, arrange payments and stamp duty, prepare the home, and record the condition when keys are handed over.
Official guidance reviewed: 10 October 2026 · Singapore
Use this as a practical checklist for a typical private residential tenancy. The “When” column is a suggested sequence, not a promise that every transaction can finish in a set number of days. Some steps happen together.
| Step | When | What happens | Who usually handles it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Offer accepted | Day 0 | Confirm rent, lease term, start date, furnishing, occupants, pets and special conditions in writing. Acceptance may still be subject to verification, documentation and agreed conditions. | Landlord, tenant and their agents (if any) |
| 2. LOI / good faith deposit, if used | After acceptance | Record the Letter of Intent terms, amount paid, how it will be applied and when it is refundable or forfeitable. An LOI or good faith deposit is not compulsory for every rental. | Parties and agents |
| 3. Verify parties and eligibility | Before entering tenancy | Verify landlord authority, tenants' and occupiers' identities and valid immigration passes where applicable. Agents must complete relevant CEA immigration/Women's Charter and customer due diligence checks. For HDB, confirm eligibility and HDB requirements. | Landlord and agents; tenant supplies documents |
| 4. Draft and review the TA | Before signing | Check rent due dates, deposit, maintenance, repairs, aircon, cleaning, access, termination, renewal, occupants, inventory and agreed special terms. Ask for corrections before signing. | Parties and agents |
| 5. Sign the TA | Agreed signing date | All required parties sign the final tenancy agreement. Keep a copy. Confirm the deposit and first-rent payment schedule; verify bank details using a trusted channel. | Landlord and tenant |
| 6. Pay rent / security deposit | As specified in TA | Pay any balance of the security deposit and advance rent by the agreed deadlines. Record receipts and how any earlier good faith deposit was credited. | Tenant pays; landlord confirms |
| 7. Stamp the tenancy document | After signing, within IRAS deadlines | Arrange e-stamping and keep the Stamp Certificate. IRAS generally allows 14 days after signing in Singapore, or 30 days after receipt in Singapore if executed overseas, without late-stamping penalty. Electronic-document rules may affect when/where execution occurs. | Party liable under the TA, or representative |
| 8. Apply for SP utilities account | After signing; before move-in | Where the tenant is responsible for utilities, apply to open an SP Group utilities account and select the intended start date. Arrange electricity, water and gas services as applicable, and allow time for any required activation appointment. Confirm that the previous account holder will close their account at the agreed time. Check the tenancy agreement if utilities are included in rent or managed by the landlord. | Tenant usually applies; landlord / outgoing occupant coordinates closure |
| 9. Prepare the property | Before handover | Complete any agreed cleaning, aircon servicing, repairs and furnishing. Check appliances, locks, keys, access cards and remotes. Keep relevant receipts. | Landlord / appointed contractors |
| 10. Arrange move-in matters | Before move-in | Arrange internet if needed. For condos, check management registration, moving permits and deposits. For HDB rentals, obtain the required approval before renting out the flat or bedrooms. Confirm the utilities activation date arranged in Step 8. | Tenant, landlord and management as applicable |
| 11. Handover and inventory | Agreed handover date | Walk through the home, test important items, photograph its condition and confirm inventory, keys, access cards, remotes and meter readings. Both parties keep the handover record. | Landlord, tenant and agents |
| 12. Report move-in defects | Promptly after handover | Send dated photos and a written list of existing issues. Follow any defect-reporting or warranty period actually stated in the TA; there is no universal one-month rental warranty. | Tenant reports; landlord responds under TA |
| 13. During the tenancy | Throughout lease | Pay rent, follow agreed maintenance obligations, keep servicing records and communicate repair issues early. Save important notices and payment records. Tenant Responsibilities → · Landlord Responsibilities → · End-of-Tenancy Timeline → | Landlord and tenant |
Your rental offer is accepted. What happens before move-in?
The landlord and tenant agree on rent and a move-in date over WhatsApp, but the inventory, utilities and key handover are still unclear. Sorting these details before signing avoids last-minute confusion.
What to do next
- Record the agreed commercial terms and check the property's rental eligibility.
- Review the LOI, tenancy agreement, payment instructions and any conditions before signing.
- Check the applicable stamp-duty process and deadline with IRAS; do not guess the amount.
- Arrange utilities, inventory photos, access cards and a documented key handover.
JC’s practical takeaway: Offer acceptance does not replace a properly reviewed tenancy agreement or the relevant regulatory checks.
Official Singapore sources
Check these authorities for the latest rules. They take precedence over any general summary on this page.
General educational information only, not legal, tax or other professional advice. Actual tenancy obligations depend on the signed agreement and applicable regulations. Check official guidance for changes.