Three months or six? Check the housing type first

Private homes: three months. HDB: six months.

URA requires a minimum stay of three consecutive months for occupants in private residential properties; such homes cannot be used for daily or weekly short stays. HDB residential rental rules require a minimum six-month rental period for each tenant in each application.

“We only need one month, so let’s rent a normal condominium” is therefore not a plan to assume is workable. Establish the lawful accommodation type first, then compare budget and location.

Occupancy limits also matter

URA currently permits up to six unrelated occupants in private residential properties below 90 square metres. Eligible larger properties of at least 90 square metres may accommodate up to eight unrelated occupants under the temporary relaxation after the owner completes the required registration. The measure runs until 31 December 2028. It is not automatic for every unit and cannot simply be applied to every HDB flat type.

Ask more than “What is the rent?”

• What type of housing is it, and has the owner completed any required rental approval or registration?
• Do the shortest allowed tenancy, occupancy numbers and proposed tenant details meet the applicable requirements?
• Is it a whole-home or room rental, and what are the cooking, laundry and visitor rules?
• How are air-conditioning servicing, minor repairs, early termination and the deposit handled?

Put verbal agreements into written terms, then verify the address, parties, dates and amounts in the contract. Leave time for these checks even when the move is urgent.