Renting a room in Singapore, what should I watch out for as a tenant?

I've rented rooms for years and my hard-learned tips: never transfer any deposit before viewing the place and meeting the landlord face to face, and be very wary of anyone who only communicates by chat and pushes you to pay fast to 'lock it in', that's a classic scam. Read the tenancy agreement properly, especially the diplomatic clause if you might leave early, the deposit return conditions, and the notice period. Clarify utility bills upfront because some landlords cap aircon usage and charge extra. Take photos of the room's condition on day one and note existing wear in writing. Check the neighbourhood at night and the MRT or bus access for your commute. Keep records of every payment. Getting the deposit back is the most common dispute, so document everything from the start. A slightly higher rent with a trustworthy landlord is worth it.

From my experience, always verify the person renting to you is the actual owner or an authorised agent, ask to see proof, because subletting scams happen. Get a written tenancy agreement covering rent, deposit amount, notice period, who pays utilities, and house rules, and never pay a cash deposit without a signed receipt. The standard is usually one month deposit for a one-year lease. Check HDB or condo rules on the maximum number of occupants because overcrowding can get everyone evicted, and for HDB the flat must be approved for renting. Inspect the room and take dated photos of any existing damage so you're not blamed later. Confirm what's included, aircon servicing and utility caps are common dispute points. Meet the landlord in person and trust your gut. If a deal feels too cheap or rushed, walk away.