Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Tenancy Agreement
I need a tenancy agreement for a residential property in Singapore, with a lease term of 2 years, including a diplomatic clause, and specifying the tenant's responsibility for minor repairs up to SGD 150. The agreement should also outline the process for renewal and termination, and include a clause for the return of the security deposit within 30 days of lease end.
What is a Tenancy Agreement?
A Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out the terms for renting a property in Singapore. It spells out key details like monthly rent, security deposit amount, duration of stay, and maintenance responsibilities - protecting both parties' rights under local housing laws.
Beyond the basic rental terms, these agreements typically cover important rules about renovation permits, utility payments, and proper use of common facilities. They must follow guidelines set by the Singapore Land Authority and, for HDB flats, comply with additional public housing regulations around subletting and occupancy limits.
When should you use a Tenancy Agreement?
Use a Tenancy Agreement before any residential or commercial property rental in Singapore begins. This applies when renting out private apartments, HDB flats, offices, or retail spaces - even for short-term leases. Getting it signed before the tenant moves in protects both parties from disputes and establishes clear legal rights.
Having this agreement becomes especially important when dealing with specific scenarios like subletting, multiple tenants sharing a space, or properties with special conditions. For HDB properties, it's mandatory to register the tenancy within seven days of signing. Commercial tenants often need it for business registration and banking requirements.
What are the different types of Tenancy Agreement?
- Tenancy Agreement Contract: Standard comprehensive agreement for residential properties, covering all essential terms and conditions
- Commercial Tenancy Agreement: Specialized for business premises, including specific clauses for commercial use and trade
- Simple Rental Agreement: Streamlined version for straightforward residential rentals with basic terms
- Room For Rent Lease Agreement: Tailored for single room rentals with shared facilities
- Month To Month Lease Agreement: Flexible arrangement allowing either party to modify or end the lease monthly
Who should typically use a Tenancy Agreement?
- Property Owners/Landlords: Private homeowners, property investment companies, or commercial building owners who rent out their properties and set the rental terms
- Tenants: Individuals, families, or businesses who rent the property and agree to follow the lease conditions
- Property Agents: Licensed real estate professionals who help draft and negotiate agreements between parties
- Legal Professionals: Lawyers who review or prepare agreements for complex commercial leases or dispute resolution
- Property Managers: Companies or individuals who handle rental arrangements and tenant relations on behalf of landlords
How do you write a Tenancy Agreement?
- Property Details: Gather complete address, unit number, property type, and included furnishings or facilities
- Party Information: Collect full names, NRIC/FIN numbers, contact details of all tenants and landlords
- Rental Terms: Define monthly rent amount, payment method, due dates, and security deposit details
- Lease Duration: Specify start and end dates, notice periods, and any renewal options
- House Rules: List maintenance responsibilities, renovation rules, permitted uses, and occupancy limits
- Documentation: Prepare property ownership proof, tenant identification, and any required HDB approvals
What should be included in a Tenancy Agreement?
- Party Identification: Full names, addresses, and NRIC/FIN numbers of landlord and tenant(s)
- Property Description: Complete address, unit number, included fixtures, and permitted areas of use
- Term and Rent: Lease duration, monthly rental amount, payment schedule, and security deposit terms
- Legal Obligations: Maintenance duties, utility responsibilities, and insurance requirements
- Usage Rules: Occupancy limits, subletting restrictions, and renovation guidelines
- Termination Clauses: Notice periods, breach conditions, and security deposit return terms
- Signatures: Dated signatures of all parties, with witness attestation if required
What's the difference between a Tenancy Agreement and an Agency Agreement?
A Tenancy Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in several key aspects, though both are commonly used in Singapore's property market. While a Tenancy Agreement establishes the direct rental relationship between landlord and tenant, an Agency Agreement defines the relationship between a property owner and their appointed real estate agent.
- Primary Purpose: Tenancy Agreements govern property occupation and rental terms, while Agency Agreements outline an agent's authority to market and lease properties
- Duration: Tenancy Agreements typically last 12-24 months, whereas Agency Agreements often cover shorter marketing periods of 3-6 months
- Key Terms: Tenancy focuses on rent, deposits, and usage rights; Agency deals with commission rates, marketing exclusivity, and service scope
- Parties Involved: Tenancy is between landlord and tenant; Agency between property owner and real estate agent
- Legal Obligations: Tenancy creates occupancy rights and payment duties; Agency establishes professional service standards and marketing commitments
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
Genie’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our Trust Centre for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.