The standard lease period is a minimum duration of 1 year, either with or without an option to renew the lease. For the lease renewal option, the landlord would normally require that you give 2 or 3 months' advance notice of your intention to renew. The lease renewal period is usually for another 1 to 2 years. Most landlords will not accept leases that are less than 1 year.

Do ensure that all your requests and requirements are clearly stated in the Letter of Intent (LOI). Requests like a new dining table, new bed or new sofa etc. After the landlord had signed the Letter of Intent, he is bound by the Letter Of Intent to provide your requests.

Fully Furnished (F/Furn) or Partially Furnished (P/Furn)  - Fully furnished means the apartment or house you are renting comes with all the furniture, white goods (refrigerator, washer and dryer) and all the essential electric appliances. Partially furnished apartments or house usually only comes with white goods, curtains, lightings or some other loose items. Although a house may be partially furnished at the time of viewing, you can always request the landlord to fully furnish it or request him to get the items you require. All these issues are always negotiation and will determine the final rental amount.

Security Deposit

In Singapore the standard pratise for the amount of security deposit is usually 1 month rental fee for each year of lease. The Letter of Intent (LOI) will usually stated the amount for the security deposit. The security deposit will be payable after you have sign the Tenancy Agreement. The security deposit will be returned, but without interest when the lease term ends. The landlord do reserves the right to deduct all costs and expenses arising from the tenant for breaching any of the covenants stated in the Tenancy Agreement from the security deposit.

Diplomatic or Repatriate Clause

The Diplomatic Or Repatriate Clause act as a safe-guarding document in the event : that you are no longer employed, transferred to other countries. It enable you to terminate the lease after 12 months, prior to an advance notice of 2 months. Thereafter, the security deposit will be refunded to you. Most landlords will include the diplomatic clause if the lease is more than a year. 

Goodfaith Deposit (booking deposit)

This is the booking deposit, usually the amount is one month's rent. After the landlord signed the Letter of Intent and accept this deposit, he cannot rent the property to other party. This deposit will become part of the security deposit or advance rental after the Tenancy Agreement is signed.