Anti-scam checklist

The biggest fear in renting remotely is getting scammed. Treat the rules below as hard limits and you'll block the vast majority of scams.

A price clearly below the going rate for the same condo, with "first come first served — transfer now to hold it."
A landlord who claims to be overseas, so the place can't be viewed, asking you to pay a deposit before handing over the keys.
Only willing to share polished stock photos, refusing a real walkthrough video or a video viewing.
Pressuring you to pay in full, or to send money to a personal individual account, or to transfer privately via WeChat/Alipay.
A vague contract that won't even spell out the address and the landlord's name.

Verify the agent's credentials: every CEA-licensed property agent in Singapore can be looked up in the CEA (Council for Estate Agencies) public register by registration number — be wary of anyone you can't find.
Confirm the landlord has the right to rent: for a whole unit, check the property documents; renting out an HDB flat requires HDB approval and has an occupant cap.
Always view before you commit: if you can't be there, do a video viewing and have them move around on the spot to prove the place really exists.
Sign first, pay second: money is paid only after the formal agreement (TA) is signed; amounts, deposit, and lease term all in black and white.
Keep a paper trail: pay by bank transfer, noting the address and purpose; never touch cash, never pay into a personal account.

"Sub-landlord" chains of subletting: confirm whether the person actually has the right to sublet, so you aren't turned out onto the street if the head tenant defaults.
Deposit not returned: photograph everything against the inventory list at move-in, so you have grounds when you move out.

Not sure whether someone is trustworthy? Send us the chat logs and the listing link on WeChat and we'll look at it with you.

Advertiser: Chin Jun Yu · Huttons Asia Pte Ltd · CEA Reg. No. R068540A · Privacy Policy