Singapore Move-Out Checklist
The complete checklist used by 5,000+ Singapore tenants to get their full deposit back. 27 tasks across 5 categories, with expert tips for HDB, condo, and landed properties.
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The Complete Move-Out Checklist
Every item your landlord will inspect — organised by timeline so you know exactly what to do and when.
Before Moving Out
2–4 weeks before
- !
Notify landlord / agent of move-out date
💡 Keep a copy of all correspondence
- !
Review inventory list from move-in
💡 Take photos of any existing damage for records
- ~
Declutter and dispose of unwanted items
💡 Use Carousell or donate to Salvation Army
- !
Book a moving company
- ~
Set up mail redirection with SingPost
Utilities & Admin
1–2 weeks before
- !
Terminate SP Services account
💡 Do this 3 working days before handover
- !
Close PUB water account
- ~
Cancel internet / cable subscriptions
💡 Check for early termination fees
- ~
Update address with banks, CPF & Singpass
- !
Settle outstanding town council (S&CC) fees
Cleaning Tasks
3–7 days before
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Deep clean kitchen (hood, oven, fridge, tiles)
💡 Don't forget behind and under appliances
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Sanitize all bathrooms
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Aircon servicing & chemical wash
💡 Keep the servicing receipt for your landlord
- !
Floor cleaning & polishing
- ~
Clean all windows & tracks
- ~
Launder curtains & blinds
💡 Send out early — dry cleaning takes time
- ~
Wipe down all cabinets & wardrobes
- ·
Clean balcony, drains & railings
Repairs & Touch-ups
5–10 days before
- !
Fill all wall holes & nail marks
💡 Match paint colour after filling
- ~
Touch up paint scuffs & marks
- ·
Replace blown light bulbs
- ~
Fix loose door handles & hinges
- ~
Replace mouldy silicone sealant
- !
Test all appliances (stove, washer, heater)
Final Handover
1–2 days before
- !
Pre-handover self-inspection with inventory list
💡 Take date-stamped photos of everything
- !
Photograph all areas & meter readings
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Gather all keys, access cards & remotes
- ·
Collect appliance manuals & warranties
- !
Record final electricity, water & gas meter readings
💡 Take clear photos of each meter
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Generate My Free ChecklistWhat Landlords Actually Inspect
These are the areas that cause the most deposit deductions in Singapore — ranked by frequency.
Walls & Ceilings
Nail holes, scuff marks, stains, water damage, and unpatched repairs are the top deduction reasons.
Bathrooms
Limescale, grout blackening, mould in silicone joints, and scratched fittings are closely scrutinised.
Kitchen
Grease on the range hood, oven interior, and behind appliances are common landlord complaints.
Aircon Units
Dirty filters and coils that weren't chemically cleaned are a frequent source of deposit deductions.
Windows & Tracks
Dusty tracks, mildew on frames, and scratched glass panels often get flagged during inspection.
Fixtures & Fittings
Non-working lights, loose handles, dripping taps, and missing accessories must all be rectified.
HDB Flat vs Condo: Key Differences
While the checklist applies to both, some requirements differ depending on your property type.
| Area | 🏢 HDB Flat | 🏙️ Condo / Private |
|---|---|---|
| Aircon | Typically 2–3 units; chemical wash required for all | 3–5+ units including ceiling cassettes; stricter servicing records expected |
| Flooring | Homogenous tiles standard; polish and grout cleaning needed | Marble, timber parquet, or vinyl more common; specialised cleaning required |
| Silicone & Grout | Standard joints in bathrooms and kitchen | More surfaces (wet bar, island counter) with premium finishes needing careful reseal |
| Outdoor / Balcony | Corridor / common area outside unit — not tenant's responsibility | Private balcony must be returned in clean condition |
| Appliances | Usually unfurnished; fewer handover items | Often furnished; full appliance test checklist expected |
6 Tips to Get Your Full Deposit Back
Based on thousands of Singapore move-outs — what works, and what commonly goes wrong.
Document everything on move-in day
Take a comprehensive video walk-through when you first move in. Date-stamped evidence is your strongest protection against unfair charges.
Keep all service receipts
Aircon servicing, pest control, and professional cleaning receipts prove you fulfilled your obligations. Landlords cannot charge twice for work already done.
Understand fair wear and tear
In Singapore, landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear. Faded paint after 2+ years, minor carpet flattening, and small surface scratches are typically not chargeable.
Give proper notice
Most tenancy agreements require 1–2 months' written notice. Failing to do so can result in loss of deposit regardless of the property's condition.
Attend the handover inspection
Always be present during the landlord's inspection. Agree on any deductions in writing before handing over the keys.
Use a professional checklist
A structured checklist ensures you don't miss hidden items like inside washing machine drums, under-sink cabinet interiors, or exhaust fan grilles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start the move-out process in Singapore?
Start at least 4 weeks before your handover date. Some tasks — like aircon chemical wash bookings and dry cleaning for curtains — can take a week or more. Utilities termination (SP Services, PUB) requires 3 working days' notice.
Can my landlord deduct for fair wear and tear?
No. Under Singapore tenancy law, landlords cannot deduct for normal fair wear and tear. This includes minor surface scuffs, small stains on carpets, and paint fading over time. However, damage beyond normal use — such as large holes in walls, broken fixtures, or severe staining — is chargeable.
Do I need to professionally clean for an HDB flat move-out?
Professional cleaning isn't legally required, but it significantly reduces the risk of deductions. Most landlords compare the state to a 'broom-clean' standard at minimum. For aircon units, a chemical wash is almost always expected and many tenancy agreements require it.
What if my landlord is making unfair deductions?
First, request an itemised breakdown in writing. If you disagree, you can negotiate, reference the original move-in inventory, or — as a last resort — file a claim at the Small Claims Tribunal (claims up to S$20,000).
How long does a landlord have to return the deposit in Singapore?
There's no statutory deadline, but the industry standard is within 14 days of handover once all deductions are agreed. Most tenancy agreements specify this period — check yours.
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