Side-by-side rights and duties
| Topic | Landlord | Tenant |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving rent | Right to timely payment per TA | Duty to pay rent on time |
| Quiet enjoyment | Duty not to disturb tenant | Right to peaceful possession |
| Access to property | Limited — TA terms + reasonable notice | Right to deny access except per TA |
| Major repairs | Duty for structural/major | Notify landlord; not pay (above threshold) |
| Minor repairs | — | Duty for tenant-caused or under threshold |
| Use of property | Right to enforce use restrictions | Right to use as per TA |
| Alterations | Right to consent / refuse | Cannot alter without consent |
| Subletting | Right to consent / refuse | Cannot sublet without consent |
| Termination on breach | Right to terminate per TA + court order | Right to terminate per TA |
| Deposit | Hold during lease, refund less deductions | Refund less reasonable deductions |
| Eviction | Court order required if disputed | Must vacate at lease end or court order |
Tenant rights you may not know about
- Right to a habitable property — landlord must deliver and maintain the property in fit condition for residential use. Major defects (e.g. unsafe wiring, water damage) must be rectified.
- Right to privacy — landlord cannot install cameras inside the rented unit (common areas of HDB are different).
- Right to display of stamped TA — tenant can request a copy of the stamped TA for official purposes.
- Right to deposit return within reasonable time — typically 14 days after lease end and condition check.
- Right to fair wear-and-tear — landlord cannot deduct for normal aging of paint, minor scratches, etc.
Landlord rights and limits
- Right to rent on time — but cannot use self-help measures (lock-out, utility cut-off) for non-payment. Must follow TA termination procedure.
- Right to inspect — only with reasonable notice (24–48 hours) and at reasonable times unless emergency.
- Right to show property to new tenants — in the last 1–2 months of lease, typically with tenant's cooperation per TA.
- Right to terminate for breach — but must give notice, opportunity to cure, and obtain a court order if tenant refuses to vacate.
- Right to deduct from deposit — only for actual damage beyond fair wear-and-tear, with documentation.
Eviction process (if disputed)
- Landlord serves written notice of breach (e.g. late rent), specifying the breach and demanding cure within the TA-specified grace (typically 7 days).
- If not cured: landlord serves notice of termination per TA.
- If tenant refuses to vacate: landlord files for possession in court (typically District Court or Magistrate's Court).
- Court hears the matter; if landlord prevails, court orders possession.
- Court bailiff enforces if tenant still does not vacate.
Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing tenant's belongings) is unlawful and exposes the landlord to civil claims for damages.
Where to go for help
- Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) — disputes up to $20,000. No lawyers, fast, low cost.
- Singapore Mediation Centre — voluntary mediation before litigation.
- CEA — if a licensed estate agent is involved and has breached their professional duties.
- HDB — for HDB tenancies and HDB-related rental disputes.