What are your regular and other not so obvious extra household expenses?

• First and foremost obviously, there's the rent that you pay, usually on a monthly basis. This rent also includes a security deposit, as well as a month, or 2 months, advance rent. (Click here if you're having deposit issues with your landlord)


TIP: Rent can be paid quarterly or even once a year, but I advise that you stick to monthly payments, since paying too much in advance places you in a less favorable position in the event a conflict arises with the landlord.


• The agent shall receive one half (1/2) of a month's gross rental for a lease less than 12 months from the tenant. For a lease of up to 24 months, the agent shall receive one month's gross rental from the tenant.
  
  
• And at some time point during the process of accepting a lease you need to pay stamp duty, which is about 5% of your monthly rent for a one year lease and just under 10% for a 2 (or 3) year lease. Click here to calculate your exact stamp duty payable.



• In addition, there are the following recurring overheads, although not all of these may apply to you and/or some of these may be included in your expat package.



• Power/Water supply S$300-500,- p/m, but can be higher.


• Gas S$100 per year


• Telephone line (land-based) S$200 p/m


• Telephone line (mobile) S$50-S$100 p/m


• Internet connection S$50-S$100 p/m


• Cable television S$50-S$100 p/m


• Air-con servicing S$100 per quarter


• Condo maintenance charges S$100-SS$200,- p/m


• Pest control services < 100 per year



N.B. The above charges are ballpark figures because of the many variables. However, on the whole, it's safe to assume that when it comes to utility-related costs it's your air-con bill that will take the biggest bite out of your wallet. Depending on the thermostat setting, the number and size of the air-con units and their rooms, as well as the duration they're being run, count on roughly S$300 to S$1.000 per month.

TIP: Getting your bill down is simple; just set your thermostat temperature a few degrees higher, your room will still feel like an oasis due to the cooler ambient air and the lower humidity, but the few degrees difference cuts your bill considerably.


• Singapore Power Services (SP Services) requires you to pay a utilities deposit before they turn on the power and water. The deposit varies from S$40 to S$800, depending on your residency status and what kind of property you are renting and will be reflected in your first bill. For foreigners renting a private apartment the deposit is S$500. Please check SP Services website for more details.



• Note also that in cases where you terminate your lease prematurely, you may be asked to reimburse the landlord part of the commission (pro-rated) that he paid his agent. For example, if you have 8 months left on your 24 month lease, you have to pay the landlord 8/24 or 1/3 of the commission paid. Note that you also have to provide a letter from your company for corroboration purposes also.



• Lastly, some repair costs may incurred when something in the unit has been broken. Usually maintenance costs of less than S$ 150,- are borne by the tenant, repair jobs above S$ 150,- are for the landlord to pay.

Bayshore Park Eastern View