Can a Landlord Keep Your Rental Deposit in Singapore?

A landlord may have reasonable grounds to deduct money for matters such as:

• Unpaid rent or utility bills
• Damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Missing furniture or household items
• Cleaning or repairs required under the tenancy agreement
• Early termination charges stated in the contract

However, tenants should not be charged for ordinary deterioration caused by normal use. For example, minor ageing, light scuff marks or the gradual wear of older furniture may not necessarily amount to tenant damage.

There is also no single fixed security-deposit amount required for every residential tenancy in Singapore. The amount, permitted deductions and refund deadline generally depend on the tenancy agreement negotiated by both parties.

Before accepting a deduction, tenants should request:

• An itemised list of charges
• Photographs showing the alleged damage
• Repair quotations, invoices or receipts
• An explanation connecting the expense to the tenancy agreement

Landlords should avoid estimating an arbitrary amount. A deduction should reflect the reasonable cost of addressing the actual problem—not the cost of upgrading the property.

The best protection for both parties is a detailed contract, a signed inventory and clear photographs taken during handover.