There are four clear room formats you will encounter and each comes with a predictable monthly cost and standard inclusions. I list each option with one precise price and a short explanation so you can decide quickly.
- HDB common room
Price fixed at SGD 900 per month. This refers to a non master bedroom inside a typical government housing flat. The room comes furnished with a single bed, small wardrobe, desk, and a shared bathroom. The landlord will require a security deposit equal to one month rent paid on move in. Utilities contribution is a fixed SGD 60 per month paid to the landlord for electricity and water, with internet billed separately at SGD 30 per month split among tenants. Landlords typically expect a minimum six month stay for HDB common rooms; confirm this in writing before you commit. - HDB master room
Price fixed at SGD 1,400 per month. A master room is larger and often has an ensuite bathroom. It is furnished with a double bed, larger wardrobe, study table, and air conditioning. Deposit is one month rent. Landlords typically include water and basic cleaning of common spaces once a month, while electricity and internet are shared with a standard contribution of SGD 70 per month for electricity and SGD 30 per month for internet. Expect these rooms to be occupied quickly near MRT stations, so arrange viewing within 48 hours of a listing going live. - Private condominium master room
Price fixed at SGD 2,200 per month. This is a master room inside a gated condo with access to facility pool, gym and 24 hour security. Rooms come furnished with a queen bed, built in wardrobe, private bathroom and often a small balcony. Deposit is one month rent and condo management may require an additional keycard deposit of SGD 50. Utilities contribution is SGD 80 per month and internet is SGD 30 per month. Note that condo landlords often ask for references and may prefer tenants with stable work passes or employment letters. - Serviced studio apartment
Price fixed at SGD 3,500 per month. Studios are private units with kitchenette and bathroom, billed as self contained short or long term stays. Deposit is one month rent and bills are included in the price for the first month. Housekeeping is provided once per week and the landlord or operator will provide an inventory list on arrival. These units are ideal for short stays or when privacy is the priority; they are also the only option that guarantees no shared common-area rules with other tenants.
The monthly prices above represent stable market choices for typical, centrally accessible locations. If you need lower or higher price points you will change location or standards, but these four fixed options give you direct choices with clear inclusions before you sign. Always confirm the stated inclusions in writing; what is advertised may differ from the actual handover contents unless documented.
Choosing your neighbourhood based on commute and daily needs
Decide first where you will spend most of your time during weekdays. Identify a primary destination and target a neighbourhood that gives you a single direct commute under 30 minutes. Below are precise neighbourhood pairings with door to door commute times so your decision is concrete rather than approximate.
- To Raffles Place central business district
Choose Tanjong Pagar for a direct train ride to Raffles Place that takes 6 minutes. If you prefer a quieter option with the same access, Outram Park is 8 minutes to Raffles Place on the same MRT line. These times are door to door assuming a maximum 10 minute walk to the nearest station. - To Orchard shopping and offices
Pick Novena for a 9 minute MRT ride to Orchard station. If you want to be inside the Orchard belt itself, choose a flat near Somerset where you will typically walk 8 to 10 minutes to work if your destination is central Orchard. - To National University or NTU campuses
For NUS, live near Clementi station and expect an 18 minute commute combining train and a short shuttle or bus. For NTU choose Jurong East and plan for a 20 minute bus or campus shuttle connection timed to standard class hours. - To Changi airport
Choose Tampines and expect a 20 minute MRT travel time to Changi terminals. This option is the most reliable for shift workers and those who require frequent airport access.
Beyond commute times consider daily needs. If you cook daily, prioritise neighbourhoods with wet markets such as Bukit Merah where markets open by 6am. If nightlife matters choose Clarke Quay to be within a five minute walk of evening venues. Family friendly options such as Pasir Ris offer larger parks and playgrounds within a short 7 minute drive of most residential pockets.
Measure the last mile from the flat to the nearest MRT or bus stop during peak hour. If the walk exceeds 10 minutes you will add unpredictability to your commute. Use a 10 minute walk as the practical maximum to any transit node to maintain consistent travel times.
Signing the tenancy and concrete legal protections to demand
Before you transfer any deposit you must have a signed written tenancy agreement and a clear paper trail. Follow this strict checklist without exception; these steps protect your deposit and ensure legal remedy if disputes arise.
- Confirm landlord identity and ownership
Request a clear copy of the landlord’s identity document and proof of property ownership. For HDB flats insist on seeing the HDB document that authorises room rental, since some HDB units are not eligible for subletting. Record the landlord’s name and NRIC or passport number on the tenancy agreement and verify this matches the ownership document. - Have a written tenancy agreement with five mandatory clauses
Ensure the agreement includes these clauses: fixed rent and due date, deposit equal to one month rent, exact tenancy start and end dates, 30 day notice period for tenant termination, and a repair responsibility clause specifying costs under SGD 150. Include signatures and dates from both parties on every page to avoid disputes about missing terms later. - Obtain a receipt for every payment
Every rent or deposit payment must be accompanied by a dated receipt stating the payment purpose. Use bank transfers where possible and include a consistent reference code. Cash payments are acceptable only if you receive a signed receipt that names the payee and the payer and shows the exact amount and purpose. - Inventory and condition report
Conduct a walk through with the landlord and create an inventory sheet listing all pre existing damage, appliances and their condition. Take time stamped photos and have the landlord sign the inventory. This record is the primary evidence for deposit disputes at the end of tenancy. - Agent and complaint escalation
If you used an agent make sure they are registered with the Council for Estate Agencies. Agent fees are typically half a month of rent paid once at the start when the agent finds the room. For unresolved disputes, escalate first to the agent or landlord, then to the Council for Estate Agencies, and finally to the Small Claims Tribunals for claims under SGD 20,000.
Follow these steps and you will be in a defensible position. If a landlord refuses any of the mandatory requirements walk away. Legal protection depends on documents and receipts more than verbal promises.
Move in protocols and flatmate rules that prevent conflict
Immediate move in steps
On the first day check every appliance and lock every door. Confirm meter readings where separate meters exist and record them on the inventory sheet. Collect all keys and access cards and test them twice. If anything fails note it, photograph it and ask the landlord to fix it within three working days. Whenever possible pay the deposit only after these checks are complete.
Long term living rules to keep harmony
Agree on a short set of practical rules in writing and attach them to the fridge. A clear set covering the essentials prevents repeated misunderstandings and keeps daily life smooth.
- Cleaning roster
Each tenant agrees to one cleaning slot per week for common areas. Assign names to days and rotate fortnightly so duties stay fair. If someone misses a turn they compensate with a SGD 20 cleaning fee paid to a household common fund. This system keeps shared areas usable and avoids resentment when mess accumulates. - Quiet hours
Set quiet hours from 11pm to 7am on weekdays and until 9am on weekends. During these times loud music and parties are not permitted. If a guest will stay overnight inform all roommates 24 hours in advance. Clear quiet hours preserve everyone’s sleep and concentration routines. - Guest policy and overnight stays
Limit guests to a maximum of three consecutive nights without prior written consent from all roommates. This prevents unexpected long term guests and keeps security clear in HDB and condo environments where management may ask for occupant records. - Shared costs
Maintain a shared ledger for grocery and household purchases and rotate who pays. Common fund contributions of SGD 25 per person each month cover cleaning supplies and communal items like toilet paper and dish soap. Keeping a transparent ledger reduces disputes about money and ensures fair contribution.
Sign this house rules addendum together with the tenancy agreement. Address small issues early. A clear plan and modest written rules prevent most conflicts and make shared living comfortable and predictable.
For a direct list of verified options and current availability visit room rent options Singapore to see curated listings and contact details.
