Small Claims Tribunal Eviction for Rent Arrears: SG Landlord Guide | Homejourney

The Small Claims Tribunal eviction process for rent arrears in Singapore requires landlords to issue a written notice, file a claim at the SCT for disputes up to $20,000, obtain a court order, and enforce via writ of possession—typically taking 2-6 months with a mandatory 4-week grace period for tenants to pay.[3][4][1]

This cluster article provides a tactical, step-by-step guide on evict tenant Singapore via SCT for non-payment, building on our pillar content "How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney" How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney . Homejourney verifies listings at https://www.homejourney.sg/search?status=For+Rent to help landlords avoid arrears disputes from the start, prioritizing your safety and trust.

Why Use Small Claims Tribunal for Rent Arrears Eviction?

The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) at State Courts, 1 Havelock Square, handles rental disputes up to $20,000 without lawyers, with low fees ($10-$50) and quick hearings (4 weeks total).[2][6] For rent arrears eviction, SCT can order tenants to pay owed rent and vacate, protecting landlords under Section 18A of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, which grants tenants 4 weeks to remedy arrears before eviction.[1][3]

No self-help evictions like lock changes are allowed—illegal under criminal trespass laws. Always follow this eviction process to avoid fines. Homejourney's verified agents at https://www.homejourney.sg/agents offer insider tips on compliant procedures.

Step-by-Step: Small Claims Tribunal Eviction for Rent Arrears

Follow these actionable steps for legal eviction in Singapore. Document everything: tenancy agreement, payment records, photos of property state, and communications.

Issue Eviction Notice (Termination of Tenancy): Send a written notice via registered mail or hand-delivery, specifying arrears amount, due date, and 14-30 days to pay or vacate. State it's for non-payment under tenancy terms. Template tips in our guide Issuing Eviction Notices: Templates & Best Practices for SG Landlords | Homejourney Issuing Eviction Notices: Templates & Best Practices for SG Landlords | Homejour... .[3][4][5]
Wait for Remedy Period: Allow at least 4 weeks for rent arrears per CLPA Section 18A. If unpaid, proceed.[1][3]
File SCT Claim: Online at statecourts.gov.sg (Community Justice and Tribunals System). Pay $10 fee (recoverable if you win). Submit tenancy agreement, rent ledger, notice copy, and demand letter. For arrears + damages ≤$20,000.[2][6][1]
Attend Mediation/Hearing: SCT schedules mediation (1-2 weeks), then hearing. Present evidence; tenant defends. SCT orders payment and/or vacation if you prevail.[6][2]
Obtain Judgment and Writ of Possession: Get default judgment if tenant doesn't respond. Apply for Writ of Possession ($50 fee). Court sheriff serves, inventories tenant goods, seizes/sells to recover debt, and evicts.[3][4][7]
Enforce Eviction: Sheriff executes; tenant vacates. Post-eviction, recover remaining arrears via writ of seizure.[1]

Timeline: 1-3 months filing to judgment; enforcement adds 2-4 weeks. HDB landlords: Ensure subletting approval per HDB rules HDB Subletting Deposit Rules & Compliance Checklist | Homejourney .

Key Documents and Evidence for SCT Success

Stamped tenancy agreement (0.4% stamp duty for 1+ year leases per Stamp Duties Act).
Bank statements showing missed payments.
Photos/videos of arrears-related issues (e.g., neglected maintenance).
Demand letter (7-14 days payment demand).
Proof of notice delivery (AR card).

Pro tip: Use digital tools for records. Homejourney landlords using our platform report fewer disputes thanks to verified tenant matches. For financing rental investments, check rates at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Avoid illegal actions like cutting utilities—leads to counterclaims. If arrears >$20,000, file at Magistrate's Court. Tenants overstaying post-notice owe double rent.[3][4] For deposit recovery from problem tenants, see Recovering Deposits from Problem Tenants: Landlord Strategies Recovering Deposits from Problem Tenants: Landlord Strategies .

Insider tip: Screen tenants via references and employment proof before listing on https://www.homejourney.sg/search?status=For+Rent. Homejourney's verification ensures safer matches.

Post-Eviction: Recovering Unpaid Rent

After eviction, enforce judgment via writs. Issue demand letter first, then SCT for remaining arrears. Courts allow seizure/sale of tenant goods.[1] Total recovery: 4-6 months. IRAS requires reporting rental income; deduct arrears as bad debt.

Best Practices to Prevent Rent Arrears

Require 1-2 months' security deposit + advance rent.
Include clear arrears clauses in agreements.
Monthly bank transfers only; no cash.
Connect with Homejourney agents for management: https://www.homejourney.sg/agents.
For maintenance, use verified services like Aircon Services .

Disclaimer: This is general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a lawyer or SCT for your case. Laws current as of 2026; check statecourts.gov.sg.

FAQ: Small Claims Tribunal Eviction for Rent Arrears

1. How long is the grace period for rent arrears eviction in Singapore?
4 weeks under Section 18A CLPA to pay arrears before court grants possession.[1][3]

2. What is the SCT filing fee for eviction claims?
$10-$50, depending on claim amount; recoverable if landlord wins.[2][6]

3. Can I evict without SCT for rent arrears under $20,000?
No—court order required; self-eviction is illegal.[3][4]

4. What if tenant ignores SCT notice?
Obtain default judgment, then writ of possession for sheriff enforcement.[1][7]

5. How to recover arrears after tenant vacates?
Via writ of seizure and sale of goods post-judgment.[1]

Master Small Claims Tribunal Eviction: Step-by-Step for Rent Arrears with Homejourney's trusted resources. List your property safely at https://www.homejourney.sg/search?status=For+Rent or connect with agents at https://www.homejourney.sg/agents. For full landlord rights, read our pillar: How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney .