What You Need to Know When Renting an Apartment with a Pet

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#1. There are different pet rules when it comes to different types of housing

HDB public housing has stricter pet ownership rules.

It is illegal (although loosely enforced) to keep any cat and only 1 dog is allowed in a flat. In addition, no written approval is needed for keeping a dog as long as it belongs to 1 of the 62 types of small dog breed. Furthermore, you must have your pet licensed by the NParks Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).

Image from HDB 

Do you know? "Cats are not allowed in flats. They are generally difficult to contain within the flat. When allowed to roam indiscriminately, they tend to shed fur and defecate or urinate in public areas, and also make caterwauling sounds, which can inconvenience your neighbours." Extracted from HDB website.

Aside from cats and dogs, small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, fishes etc are permitted. Nevertheless, you must ensure that they are legally imported and do not belong to any endangered species.

The pet ownership rules are less strict for Condominiums and landed properties.

Generally, the Condominium’s MCST will influence the types and number of pets you can keep. All types of pets are allowed, as long as they are legal and are not endangered species. Furthermore, if you are renting a landed property, only the landlord can decide the types and number of pets you can keep.

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#2. The landlord has the right to reject your request to keep pets

Most landlords would prefer to adopt a no-pets policy due to the damage the pet might potentially cause; scratched or soiled wallpapers; furniture and floor, etc. Sometimes, when the pets are not properly looked after, smells, mites and fleas might linger in the property. Hence, the landlords have the right to terminate the contract if you keep any pets without any written permission from them.

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#3. You have to sign the clauses for keeping pets

These clauses will be included as part of the Tenancy Agreement (TA) and the landlord may also include a clause to ensure that the property is protected against any damages caused by your pet. Such pet-related clauses are usually a supplementary document to the TA contract.

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#4. You must responsible for any type of damage caused by your pets

Even if the landlord does not request you to sign the pet-related clause, you are still held liable and responsible for any damage caused by your pets. Do note that the security deposit will also be used to cover these damages.

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#5. You may need to provide post tenancy cleaning service

Some landlords may include the professional property cleaning clause so that you will cover the cost of cleaning the property at the end of the tenancy period. You will need to provide receipts as proof that such works have been carried out. The cost of the professional cleaning services will also be deducted from the security deposit if you failed to do so.

Do you know? Here is an example to ensure that the property is protected against pet damage and extra professional cleaning of the property at the end of the contract. "The Tenant hereby undertakes and agrees to remedy and pay for any damage caused to The Property and/or contents of The Property which shall have been caused by The Pet residing in The Property. For the avoidance of doubt any such damage shall not be deemed to be fair wear and tear. The Tenant agrees to pay for the professional cleaning of the property at the end of The Tenancy including the cleaning of all carpets and treating the property for fleas and mites." Extracted from Lets with Pets.