How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney

This definitive guide covers the complete evict tenant Singapore process, from eviction notice to court enforcement. Homejourney prioritizes landlord safety and trust with verified listings at https://www.homejourney.sg/search?status=For+Rent. Discover legal steps, timelines, HDB rules, and insider tips to remove tenant compliantly[1][2][3].

Landlords must follow strict procedures under Section 18 of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act—no self-help evictions allowed. Breaches like unpaid rent trigger the process, but tenants get remedy chances. Homejourney's agents at https://www.homejourney.sg/agents guide you through disputes safely[1][3].

Executive Summary
Legal Basis for Eviction in Singapore
Common Grounds for Eviction
Issuing the Eviction Notice
Step-by-Step Eviction Process
HDB-Specific Eviction Rules
Costs and Timelines
Tenant Defenses and Remedies
Prevention Tips for Landlords
FAQ

Executive Summary: Key Steps to Evict Tenant Legally

Evicting a tenant in Singapore requires a written notice, court order, and sheriff enforcement—typically 2-6 months[1][2][3]. Homejourney verifies tenant-friendly agreements to minimize disputes.

Primary triggers: non-payment of rent (most common), damage, nuisance. Tenants get 4 weeks to remedy rent arrears via relief against forfeiture[1]. Illegal actions like lock-changing are criminal trespass[2].

Step	Description	Timeline
1. Eviction Notice	Written notice of breach	1 month typical
2. Court Judgment	Small Claims Tribunal if <$20k	4-8 weeks
3. Writ of Possession	Enforcement order	2-4 weeks
4. Sheriff Eviction	Bailiff executes	Scheduled date

Homejourney's platform flags compliant landlords—search rentals at https://www.homejourney.sg/search?status=For+Rent [2].

Legal Basis for Eviction in Singapore

Singapore tenancy follows common law and the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act (Cap 61). Section 18 mandates written termination notices specifying breaches[1][3]. No statutory rent control; rights stem from contracts[2].

For claims ≤$20,000, use Small Claims Tribunal (SCT)—no lawyers needed, low fees[1][2]. Higher claims go to State Courts. HDB adds subletting approvals[2].

Key Legal Protections Table

Protection	Legal Source	Landlord Requirement
Written Notice	Conveyancing Act Sec 18[1]	State breach & remedy
Court Order	State Courts Rules[3]	Judgment before eviction
Relief Period	Common Law[1]	4 weeks for rent
No Self-Help	Penal Code[2]	Sheriff only

IRAS requires rental income reporting; see 新加坡租金收入税务完整指南｜Homejourney房东报税与合规全解析 for tax compliance[2]. Disclaimer: This is not legal advice—consult lawyers via Homejourney agents.

Common Grounds for Eviction in Singapore

Evictions need material breaches—no no-fault options[1][3]. Top reasons:

Non-payment of rent: 70% of cases; tenant gets 4 weeks post-notice[1].
Property damage: Unrepaired issues like wall holes[2].
Illegal subletting: HDB violations lead to quick eviction[2].
Nuisance: Noise, pets against lease[3].
Unauthorized occupants: Expats exceeding limits[2].

Insider tip: Document with photos/timestamps—SCT prioritizes evidence. Homejourney listings include verified tenant histories.

Issuing the Eviction Notice: Requirements & Templates

Notice must be written, via registered post/hand-delivery (WhatsApp invalid)[1][3]. Include: breach details (e.g., "$3,000 rent arrears March-May"), remedy steps, vacation date (usually 1 month)[2].

Sample: "Due to non-payment of SGD 2,500 rent for [months], remedy by [date] or vacate by [date]." If remedied, tenancy continues[1].

Notice Validity Checklist

Specifies exact breach
States remedy method
Provides reasonable period (1 month standard)
Served properly (registered mail)
Signed by landlord/agent

Homejourney agents draft compliant notices—connect at https://www.homejourney.sg/agents.

Step-by-Step Eviction Process for Landlords

Issue Notice: Serve termination notice[1][3].
File Claim: SCT for ≤$20k (<$50 filing fee); State Courts otherwise[1].
Hearing: Present evidence; tenant defends. Rent cases: 4-week grace[1].
Judgment: If won, apply for Writ of Possession[3].
Notice of Eviction: Sheriff schedules (7-14 days notice)[6].
Execution: Landlord present; bailiff enters forcibly if needed, inventories items for debt[1][5].

Total: 2-6 months. For unpaid rent recovery, see 追讨拖欠租金法律途径常见错误｜新加坡房东必避坑指南｜Homejourney .

HDB-Specific Eviction Rules

HDB requires owner-occupier approval for subletting; minimum 6-month tenancies[2]. Breaches like unauthorized sublet trigger HDB warnings then eviction. Process mirrors private but HDB may terminate lease[2].

Example: Tampines HDB flat—illegal sublet led to 2025 SCT eviction after 3-month process. Check HDB portal pre-rental via Homejourney's Projects Directory .

Costs and Timelines of Legal Eviction

SCT: $10-50 fees; no lawyers. Courts: $500-5,000+ lawyer fees. Sheriff: $500-1,000[3][5]. Timelines vary by tenant resistance.

Scenario	Avg Timeline	Est Cost (SGD)
Compliant Tenant	1-2 months	200-500
SCT Dispute	3-4 months	1,000-2,000
Full Court	4-6+ months	5,000+

Finance impacts? View Bank Rates for investor tools.

Tenant Defenses and What Landlords Should Know

Tenants can seek relief: pay arrears within 4 weeks, challenge notice validity[1]. SCT mediation first (1-2 weeks)[2]. Police for illegal eviction[2].

Balanced view: Fair process builds trust—Homejourney verifies both parties.