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Hi,

Your concern is understandable, especially since you have already paid a deposit.

The first thing I would suggest is to establish whether the person renting you the room is the actual property owner or merely a tenant.

For HDB flats, tenants are not permitted to further sublet bedrooms. For private properties, the owner's consent and the terms of the tenancy agreement would be important considerations.

May I know whether you engaged a property agent to assist with this rental, or was the arrangement made directly with the person renting you the room?

One of the benefits of engaging a professional real estate agent is having someone assist with verifying property ownership, checking the landlord's authority to rent out the premises and ensuring the necessary documentation is properly handled.

If you have already signed a tenancy agreement and paid a deposit, I would suggest keeping all relevant documents and payment records while clarifying the situation.

May I also know whether this is an HDB flat or private property?

If you need assistance reviewing your rental arrangement or exploring alternative accommodation, feel free to reach out.

Geryl Lim
 9278 7772  Read More

Hi, yes. Verify both ownership and the person’s authority to rent the room; having keys or collecting rent is not proof of either.

For a private property, SLA’s INLIS Property Ownership Information service can identify the registered owner. For HDB, ask the owner to show the ownership information through My HDBPage and confirm the applicable rental approval/registration with HDB. Match the owner’s identity with the agreement and payment details.

If the person is actually a tenant, ask for the head tenancy and the owner’s written authority for the proposed arrangement, and verify that it complies with the rules for that property. A private agreement cannot override HDB restrictions.

Keep your deposit receipt, messages and agreement, and clarify the discrepancy before paying additional deposits or moving in. If the documents do not match, get independent advice promptly. Is this HDB or private housing?

Sources: SLA INLIS ownership guidance; CEA rental scam prevention guidance.

Silas Tan | Huttons | TRIBE
Free property guides and calculators: https://tribesg.com Read More

**Yes—you can discreetly verify both property ownership and subletting legality in Singapore before moving in properly.** Doing this protects your deposit and ensures you will not be suddenly evicted if an unauthorised sublease is uncovered.

### 1. Check Registered Property Ownership Online

* **SLA INLIS Portal (`app.sla.gov.sg/inlis`):** Anyone can run a paid **Property Ownership Information** search using the full unit address to confirm the legal owner's registered name.
* **IRAS Property Tax / Official Bills:** Alternatively, politely ask the person for proof of ownership (such as an IRAS Property Tax bill header or MyHDBPage ownership screen) for your Tenancy Agreement records.

### 2. Verify Permission to Rent or Sublet

* **If It Is an HDB Flat:** HDB strictly **prohibits tenants from subletting rooms** to others. Only the registered flat owner may rent out bedrooms (3-room flats or larger), and they must register you with HDB beforehand. Ask for the **HDB Confirmation Letter of Authorised Tenants**—if you are not registered with HDB, the rental is unauthorised.
* **If It Is a Private Condo or Landed Property:** A main tenant can legally sublet a room **only if** their master Tenancy Agreement explicitly allows subletting or they have **written consent from the legal landlord**. Ask to see the landlord’s written consent before moving in.

### 3. Essential Steps to Protect Yourself Now

* **Get a Written Tenancy Agreement & Stamp It:** Ensure you have a signed Tenancy Agreement naming the true owner (or authorised master tenant with landlord consent), and pay **IRAS e-Stamp Duty** (0.4% of total rent for leases up to 4 years) within 14 days of signing so your agreement is legally enforceable.
* **Keep Payment Trails:** Always transfer rent and deposits via traceable bank transfer/PayNow with clear reference notes, never cash.

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Gan Eng Joo Onassis 颜荣裕, REALTOR®

MSc BIT (Middlesex, UK); BBA (UniSA)

CEA Reg No: R021244C | Mobile: (+65) 8889 9918 

Email: onassis@sgagent.com

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