Emergency Contacts
Police Emergency: 999
Police Hotline: 1800-255-0000
FindHM Support: support@findhm.com
Before Meeting
Verify SingPass ID - Ensure user has verified badge on FindHM
Meet during daylight - Schedule between 8am-7pm
Tell someone - Share location and meeting details with trusted contact
Research property - Check address on Google Maps/Street View
During Meeting
✓ DO
- • Bring a friend if possible
- • Stay in well-lit public areas
- • Trust your instincts
- • Ask to see NRIC and property documents
- • Take photos of the property
✗ DON'T
- • Pay any fees before viewing
- • Send NRIC copies before meeting
- • Go alone to isolated areas
- • Share personal banking details
- • Pay deposits on the spot
- • Ignore uncomfortable feelings
- • Meet at night or remote locations
- • Respond to harassment messages
Red Flags - Leave Immediately
- • No valid NRIC or property ownership documents
- • Property doesn't match online photos
- • Person seems intoxicated or aggressive
- • Pressured to pay immediately
- • Asked to meet at different location last minute
Singapore-Specific Legal Points
Know Your Rights:
- • Landlords must provide proof of property ownership
- • Deposits should not exceed 2-3 months' rent
- • Tenancy agreements must be in writing
- • You have 7 days cooling-off period for some agreements
Common Singapore Rental Scams
- Fake HDB listings: Always verify HDB rental eligibility
- "Urgent overseas" scams: Owner claims to be traveling, needs immediate payment
- Too-cheap prices: Significantly below market rate for the area
- No viewing required: Insists on payment without property inspection
After Meeting
Take Time to Consider
Never feel pressured to sign agreements on the first viewing. Schedule a second appointment for document signing after you've had time to:
Verify property ownership - Check NRIC matches property title deed
Review all terms - Read lease conditions, deposit amounts, and damage clauses
Research market rates - Compare with similar properties in the area
Letter of Intent (LOI) Process
While not required by HDB, a Letter of Intent (LOI) is a common practice in Singapore. It shows your seriousness about renting and helps both parties agree on the main terms before drafting the Tenancy Agreement.
Step 1: State Key Terms – Include rent amount, lease period, and conditions like move-in date or furnishing requests.
Step 2: Good Faith Deposit – Usually one month’s rent, this shows commitment. It may later form part of the security deposit.
Step 3: Verification – Before paying, confirm the landlord is the legal property owner via HDB, SLA’s MyProperty portal, or IRAS search.
Step 4: Tenancy Agreement – Once LOI is accepted, the landlord will issue the Tenancy Agreement with final terms.
Deposit Warning:
- • Clarify if the deposit is refundable if the deal falls through
- • Confirm if it will be rolled into the security deposit after signing
- • Review damage and deduction clauses carefully
- • Always pay to the verified landlord, never to an agent’s personal account
More Information: For the full process of renting an HDB flat or bedroom, including eligibility and tenancy agreement guidelines, visit the official CEA page:
Renting an HDB flat/bedroom – CEA.
Report Issues: Contact FindHM support immediately if you encounter suspicious behavior or safety concerns. Help keep the platform safe for everyone.