Have you ever rented a house?

As a Singaporean, we live with our parents till we are married.

This may not apply to all Singaporean anymore. I see more young adults renting houses and living on their own or with their partners.

 For us, we have been living with our parents till we got married, and our new house is still in the process of building. In short, we have not bought a resale house or rent a house before.

Renting a house seems to be a skill altogether. We thought to ourselves, "how difficult can it be?"

It wasn't difficult, but you cannot predict your future landlord and housing agent. 

Are they reasonable, deliver as promised, or scheming and out to take advantage of tenants?

And remember the fact that we are in a foreign country now.

We found a house to rent, which allows dogs and in a good vicinity. However, we did not have the luck to stay on further due to dispute with owner and agent.

"Don't you have contract to pursue your benefits?" my friends asked.

Yes we do have, however how can I use contract to justify that I would be given a clean house? It is dependent and arguable by the owner. Agent doesn't help any further by pushing us away till we have to find her manager. This is just one example. Our agency was Re**x. If you want to know what to look out for, do give me an email. I will be more than willing to help.

Below are some pictures to show how dirty the house was:

Anyway we are on our way to find a new house at this moment. So looking forward. Can't wait to get out of this house.

My rules for future house renting:

1. Only sign the contract and pay full amount AFTER viewing the house one last time. Make sure all the things are in e house as promised before signing.

2. Pay deposit by cheque if possible and post date it to the agreed contract signing date. This is much safer than paying cash as we were requested to pay a month rent as deposit. We took a risk, not knowing if we can take it back if we are not happy with the contract although agent promised to.

3. Make everything, in every possible detail black and white, especially special items promised during negotiation.

4. Take a photo of all the major items and defects you find in the house, print it out along with inventory list with all parties' signature.

5. Inventory list should be presented with the contract on the same day. Check the inventory before signing the contract.

6. Request and read through the contract over and over again to avoid missing out anything.

Share with us any tips you have please!

Will update with photos for our new and permanent house soon! We are still hopeful.