Renting out HDB while in Australia

sillypore SG

Hi,

I have a HDB apartment which I want to rent out after few months when I move to Australia for long term.

I heard that I need to give Power of Attorney to somebody to get HDB approval.

But I don't have any relatives in Singapore and the friends are not so close.

Can somebody advise how to manage the HDB apartment while I am away ? Will I have to come to Singapore every time there is a new tenant ?

Any experiences or tips will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

honeymouse SG

How about an estate agent?

jetta SG

Seek out the services of a property management company.

viciouskitty74 SG

Or. Seek out really good tenants.

I had tenants, that I give them some rules and regulations. And they manage the hdb home for me and forward me information and the rental thru internet banking nicely.

Also, I wonder how much it cost and how much work to do, if I am to open a company just managing rental properties for folks overseas......

lostintransition SG

find a trusted real estate agent to appoint as power of attorney. if you require them to manage the property on a regular basis...you can offer to pay e.g. 10% of your monthly rental to them (on top of the 0.5-1mth comm). but really not easy to find someone you can really trust...you probably have to ask around for referrals. i also need to rent out my apartments when i leave singapore...still trying to find an agent as well.

HiAy3Captain SG

find a trustworthy agent lo

viciouskitty74 SG

Hmmmm......how about, we all meet for kopi and we see how to do this.

I dont mind we make friends, then create a company to manage this problem.

Me is no property agent, and I think we can all hammer out the requirements for such a person handling your flat as a project for everyone.

Because technically, even property agents dont manage all this issues regularly.

I remember having a horrible tenant that threatens to move out after I found her being late in her rentals. And I was in USA.

Called the agent that recommended the tenant also no use. If really you folks really need help, I dont mind doing some legwork to check on the properties and tenants every month, take pictures and emailing to you guys as and when I should.

Then if you guys are firmed in your migration and wants to sell the flats, then I learn to do the legwork to help you guys do the selling.

For the record, I am not a property agent, nor a insurance agent. I only know some legal stuffs.

skythewood SG

sell it.

viciouskitty74 SG

Anyway, if you guys are selling.

I am looking for a 5 improved hdb, preferably at jurong west st 65.

Saw the floor plans, and is keen to buy, so can segment in three more bedrooms and rent out the rooms totally.

Me only need one room, maybe the room with that balcony.

Intend to create just a lobby with mirrored panels shoe cabinents for everyone in that unit.

And if I am not in Singapore, still can get some retired policemen to stand in for me as property manager.

And got some budding lawyers to draft legal letters for minimum fees.

What you guys think? Am I being too mercenary?

Simonmj SG

If you are away from Singapore, it is usually easier to rent out the whole flat or apartment. Renting individual rooms to different tenants is a hassle and most real estate agents will not handle it.

You have to deal with different tenancies expiry dates, allocating the utilities and phone bills among the tenants in a fair manner and chasing late payments (if any) from different tenants. Furthermore dividing the household chores would be a problem among the tenants if they don't cooperate with each other. Usually somebody will not do his/her fair share and will leave the dishes unwashed or toilets unclean. It's a total nightmare if not managed properly.

Aang SG

If you are away from Singapore, it is usually easier to rent out the whole flat or apartment. Renting individual rooms to different tenants is a hassle and most real estate agents will not handle it.

unless u r very lucky to rent it to some tenants that will clean ur house... my aunt went to shanghai to work and rent her house out... when she came back her house was in a mess...

Cheraz patin SG

Are you coming back or not. You mention long term how long ?? ( 3 years ?? ).

The best is any friend or relative talk over the house and continue settle Utilities bill / phone bill etc.

If don't have just find agent to look out for tenant for you. ( Marriage Couple will be the best ). Cos surely house will be take care off.

Last solution is totally sell off.

All depend on what you want.

Alexander 88 SG

check with HDB on their subletting rules. they do have cases where the owner of the flat goes overseas so the entire flat is sublet out to other pple.

u have to vet the tenant if u intend to sublet your flat out if not sell it off if u are migrating permanently.

AndrewPKYap SG

Pay someone to do it. See if any of your neighbours are willing to do it for 10% of the rental. To collect rent and transfer to you/deposit in your Singapore account (you can check online whether or not the money is transferred) and if the tenant leave, work with property agent to find new tenants and also to handle tenant's complaints.

viciouskitty74 SG

Thats roughly where the power of attorney comes in.

TS might not trust her/his neighbours or family members not to abuse that.