Singapore Rental Guide: 3 vs 6 Months Minimum Stay

Quick Summary

Minimum stay: 3 months for Condos, 6 months for HDBs.

Larger units (4-room+) can house up to 8 people until the end of 2028.

Short-term rentals like Airbnb are strictly prohibited in Singapore.

Finding a home is often the first major hurdle when moving to Singapore. We've seen many newcomers feel overwhelmed by rental regulations that differ significantly from their home countries. Especially for parents rushing to find a place for school or work, falling into an illegal rental trap can lead to heavy fines or even visa issues.

I remember struggling to understand why Condo and HDB rules were so different when I first arrived. To help you settle in smoothly, here is a clear guide on the latest rental regulations and the special relaxation measures extended until 2028.

Condos vs. HDBs: Different Minimum Stay Requirements

Singapore housing is broadly divided into private residential properties (Condos, Landed Houses) and public housing (HDB), each governed by different laws. The most critical factor is the "minimum stay period." Violating this can cause serious trouble for both the landlord and the tenant.

Condos and Private Residential Properties: According to Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) guidelines, the minimum stay is 3 consecutive months. Short-term rentals for a few days or a single month, such as Airbnb, are strictly prohibited.

HDB (Public Housing): Housing & Development Board (HDB) regulations are stricter, requiring a minimum stay of 6 months. Using HDB flats for tourists or commercial purposes is absolutely forbidden.

Category	Condo (Private)	HDB (Public)
Min. Stay Period	3 Months	6 Months
Prior Approval	Not required (Registration only)	HDB Approval Mandatory
Penalty for Violation	Up to SGD 200,000 fine	Fines and potential repossession

Occupancy Caps Relaxed Until 2028

Singapore traditionally limits the number of "unrelated persons" living in a single unit to six. However, due to rising rental prices and high demand, the government has temporarily relaxed this rule. Originally set to expire in 2026, this measure has now been extended to December 31, 2028.

Units allowed up to 8 occupants: HDB 4-room flats (or larger) and private properties with a floor area of at least 90sqm can now house up to 8 people. This is great news if you are considering a co-living arrangement with friends or colleagues.

Mandatory Registration: For private properties, you must register with the URA portal and pay a small fee (approx. SGD 20) to house 8 people. Living with 8 people without registration is considered illegal.

Revocation for Nuisance: Keep in mind that if the increased occupancy leads to noise or trash complaints from neighbors, the authorities can revoke the permit for additional occupants immediately.

Essential Checklist for Renting an HDB

Since HDB flats house about 80% of Singapore's population, the rules are quite stringent. As a foreigner, you must verify the following points before signing an HDB lease.

Visa Validity: Your visa (EP, SP, DP, etc.) must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of the rental application. HDB may reject the application if your visa is near its expiry date.

Non-Citizen Quota: HDB maintains a "Non-Citizen Quota" to ensure a diverse mix in each block. If the quota for a specific block is full, non-citizens (excluding Malaysians) cannot rent there.

Official Approval Letter: Always ask the landlord to show the "HDB Approval Letter" for renting out the flat. If you rent from a landlord who hasn't obtained official permission, you could be evicted without notice.

Top Tips for a Safe Rental Experience

Singapore also experiences rental scams from time to time. Be especially cautious with direct deals found on Facebook or Telegram. Follow these three tips for a safe move:

Stamp Duty: Ensure you pay the Stamp Duty via the IRAS website after signing the contract. It usually costs about 0.4% of the total rent, but this document is your primary legal protection in case of disputes.

Verify Agent Credentials: If you are using a property agent, always check their CEA (Council for Estate Agencies) registration number. Verifying that they are a licensed professional significantly reduces the risk of scams.

Create an Inventory List: On your first day, take photos of every scratch or defect and send them to your agent. This serves as vital evidence to ensure you get your full deposit back later.

Starting a new chapter in Singapore is much easier when you know the rules. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!