End-of-Tenancy Checklist for Full Deposit Refund | Homejourney
To secure a full deposit refund in Singapore, tenants must return the property in its original condition, excluding normal wear and tear, with thorough documentation and cleaning. This End-of-Tenancy Checklist for Full Deposit Refund provides actionable steps tailored to Singapore rentals, helping you get deposit back without disputes.[1][2]
As part of Homejourney's commitment to user safety and trust, this cluster article supports our pillar guide on Tenant Rights in Singapore. It focuses on practical tactics for security deposit return, drawing from HDB rules, common law principles, and real Singapore experiences to ensure transparent transactions.
Understanding Security Deposits in Singapore Rentals
In Singapore, security deposits typically range from 1 to 2 months' rent, held as a safeguard against damages or unpaid bills. Unlike a good faith deposit, the security deposit must be returned within 14 days of tenancy end, minus legitimate deductions like repairs beyond wear and tear.[1][5]
HDB flats require subletting approval, and landlords must notify HDB upon termination. Private properties follow tenancy agreements, governed by common law—no specific tenant protection act exists, so contracts dictate terms. Stamp duty applies to leases over 1 year at 0.4% of annual rent.[1]
Insider tip: Always stipulate deposit return timelines in your agreement. Homejourney verifies listings for fair terms—search rentals at Homejourney rental search to start right.
Landlord Obligations for Deposit Return
Landlords must conduct a joint inspection, provide itemized deduction receipts, and return the balance promptly. Deductions are limited to actual costs for damages, unpaid utilities, or cleaning if specified in the contract.[1][5]
Under Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) guidelines, disputes up to $20,000 can be resolved without lawyers. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear—like faded paint from sunlight in a Serangoon HDB flat—or pre-existing issues noted at move-in.[5]
What Qualifies as Fair Deduction?
- Broken fixtures you caused (e.g., cracked toilet seat from misuse).
- Unpaid utilities or maintenance fees.
- Excessive cleaning if the property is left filthy.
Prohibit deductions for aircon servicing if minor—see Homejourney's aircon services for maintenance tips to avoid deposit deductions.
Your Step-by-Step End-of-Tenancy Checklist
Follow this checklist 2 weeks before move-out for a full deposit refund. Document everything to prevent deposit disputes.[1][2]
- Notify in Writing: Serve notice per your agreement (1-2 months). Use a formal letter confirming end date.[1]
- Schedule Joint Inspection: Agree on date/time, ideally with both parties present. For HDB, notify via HDB portal.[1]
- Complete Move-Out Cleaning: Use this room-by-room guide to meet expectations.[2][4]
Comprehensive Cleaning Checklist
- Kitchen: Degrease stove, clean oven/microwave interiors, wipe cabinets, scrub sink/taps, mop floors.
- Bathroom: Disinfect toilet/shower/sink, clean mirrors, scrub tiles/grout, mop floors.[2][4]
- Bedrooms/Living: Dust surfaces/wardrobes, vacuum/mop floors, clean light switches/handles, wipe windows/blinds.[2][3]
- General: Empty cupboards, clean aircon vents, sweep balcony, disinfect bins. Patch minor wall scuffs.[2][4]
Pro hire cleaners for deep cleans—landlords often deduct $300-500 otherwise. Check Homejourney projects directory for property standards.
- Inventory Check: Match move-in list; photograph discrepancies.[1]
- Utilities & Keys: Record final meter readings (photo evidence), return all keys/access cards.[1][2]
- Sign Handover Form: Detail condition, deductions, and forwarding address.[1]
Documentation Tips to Secure Your Deposit
Photos timestamped at move-in/out are crucial—take 100+ from every angle, including lights on for hidden dirt.[1][3]
Create a property condition report: room-by-room notes on fixtures, inventory (Schedule D), and meter readings (Schedule C).[1] Email all records to landlord/property agent. For disputes, this evidence wins at SCT—see Step-by-Step SCT Process for Deposit Disputes | Homejourney ">Step-by-Step SCT Process for Deposit Disputes.
Pro Tip: In humid Singapore, check for mould in wardrobes—clean proactively to avoid charges.
Handling Common Deposit Disputes
Wear vs Damage: Faded carpets from foot traffic? Not deductible. Burn marks? Yes.[5] Cleaning fees only if contract-specified and proven necessary.[2]
For unfair deductions, request receipts within 7 days. Escalate to Community Mediation Centre or SCT. Read Common Security Deposit Deductions in Singapore & How to Avoid Them | Homejourne... ">Common Security Deposit Deductions & How to Avoid Them for more.
Homejourney prioritizes trust—connect with verified agents at Homejourney agents for dispute guidance.
FAQ: End-of-Tenancy Checklist for Full Deposit Refund
Q: How long does landlord have to return my deposit?
A: Typically 14 days post-handover, per agreement. No response? File at SCT.[1][5]
Q: Can landlords deduct for professional cleaning?
A: Only if stated in contract and property is unclean beyond wear and tear. Document your efforts.[2]
Q: What if landlord claims pre-existing damage?
A: Refer to move-in photos/report. No documentation? Their burden of proof.[1]
Q: HDB-specific rules for deposit return?
A: Notify HDB of termination; follow subletting approval terms.[1]
Q: How to challenge deposit deductions?
A: Demand itemized receipts; mediate via Community Disputes Committee or SCT. Details in How to Get Full Security Deposit Back in Singapore | Homejourney ">How to Get Full Security Deposit Back.
Disclaimer: This is general advice, not legal counsel. Consult professionals for your case.
Maximize your security deposit return with Homejourney's verified tools. Search safe rentals at Homejourney or explore financing at bank rates. For full tenant rights, return to our pillar guide.
