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6 things you absolutely need to look out for during a viewing

Your ultimate fantasy came true when you got the opportunity to work in Singapore. The Red Dot always fascinated you with its scenic beauty and diversity of cultures.

Now that you are in the country, you have a mandate of finding yourself your dream house to rent in Singapore, ASAP. But you are stuck between what you need and what you desire.

We know looking for a new place to rent in Singapore, can be a tiring experience. From going to look at a place that’s nothing like the photos in the most popular apps like TRUrental to finding the ideal home and having someone get to it before you, the process can be tiresome.

With a little help from your agent or landlord, you seem to be lost among the tall buildings of the country. Don’t worry! Let us give you a quick guide to what you should be doing next time you go for viewing, but before we begin let’s start with a few basic prep we recommend even before:

Don’t rush viewing – Dedicate 20-30 minutes to examine indoor and the same amount of time to examine outdoor and neighbourhood.

Take note of the house you like – Write about what you liked and disliked. For quick reference: click pictures or take a quick video.

Keep company if possible – Take your family or friend to have a second opinion on things and for better viewing and observation

View it in daylight and do multiple visits at different times before you finalize.

Analyze the property critically. Leave emotions outside.

Home-viewing checklist

1. When was the place last renovated? Does it require renovation now?

Ideally if maintained properly, a property which is continuously habited should be renovated or undergo deep cleaning and maintenance every five years.

If it is so in your case, it will mean the house is currently in good shape. However, if the renovations look too fresh, enquire about the reason for it. Chances are it might be done to conceal some faults.

Additionally, verify each area of the house carefully, look for dampness, cracked walls, bubbling paints, peeling wallpapers, ceilings or any other renovation requirement.

Estimate the cost of it and ask for deduction or compensation in deposits or rent.

2. How spacious is the house? Does it fulfil your requirement?

Remember, an empty room will always look bigger than the furnished version of it. So, if the home staging is done, carefully analyze if there is enough room. The below should help:

Check for storage space – Is there any built-in cupboard/storage area in every room and in the kitchen? If not, then is there enough space to accommodate wardrobe along with bed or other items of furniture?

If you are going for an unfurnished apartment, do you have built-in space for refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and other white goods? Or you have to allocate space within the vital area.

Analyze the size of cupboards if it meets your requirement in every section of the house.

Check if all your major furniture like bed, dining table, sofa, and other items will fit in the required areas.

If you are unsure, take a tape and measure each room and go and compare the space with your current place of residence.

3. How is the neighborhood?

A Word of Caution: You cannot change your neighbourhood easily. Go an extra mile to be sure it has everything you like or at least doesn’t have anything that you have low tolerance for.

If you like peaceful environment, then stay away from ECP or PIE. Alternatively, if you like the hustle-bustle of the city life, look for a place that has good food and shopping options close by.

4. Is your home future-ready?

One should always consider the long-term goals and its fallouts, before committing into a long-term tenancy. Ponder over things like are you willing to stay in the current job for long? Are you planning to get married soon or start a family? Can your new home accommodate all the changes that you are planning? Is it future-ready?

5. Have you tested the property thoroughly?

Drop your hesitation and emotion before viewing and check every aspect of the house carefully. A few things we would insist upon are:

Are the window and door operating well?

How is the security system of the house? Lock, fence, local security, neighbourhood crime rates. Walk around and look for “break in” signs or anything from Singapore Police.

Water pressure and fittings – Water connectivity to all relevant spot like the kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, garden area and so on.

Wiring and electrical fitting – Do you need an extra connection for your devices? It is a good idea to mentally chalk the placement of appliances and determine any electrical layout modification if needed.

Ceiling and dampness issue – It rains quite frequently in Singapore and be sure, you do not have seepage walls.

6. Is there any indirect cost associated with the property you plan to rent?

While viewing, make sure you make a note of everything that can add up to your living expenses. Analyze the indirect costs associated with the property which includes but is not limited to:

Proximity to important places like the work area, MRT lines, shopping area, school, healthcare facilities will reflect on the cost of commuting.

The cost associated with additional fittings and fixtures for your add-on appliances.

Renovation cost if any eventually.

Lastly, just ask yourself do you really want to live here? Does this place make you happy? Is it already making you feel at home? If yes, then don’t waste another minute and get yourself this cool and comfy apartment. Otherwise, we are TRUrental are relentless and will find you your perfect abode.

Original Content available at https://blog.truuue.com

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TRUrental is giving away $20 Audio House vouchers + Win one month rent!

TRUUUE would like to hear from you, our precious tenants!

TRUrental also known as TRUUUE Tenant, the top rental app in Singapore is dedicated to give you the best rental experience ANYWHERE you rent in Singapore.

Complete our “What Tenants Want” survey and join our TRUrental community to get an instant $20 Audio House voucher!

EVEN BETTER, Truuue will be also selecting ONE winner where we will cover your entire month’s rent! What’s the catch? JUST TAKE OUR SURVEY!

Terms & Conditions

General

Closing date for all entries will be on 30 November 2018, 2359hrs SGT.

Truuue will not be responsible for any lost entries.

Truuue reserves the right to amend any terms and conditions as stated, and shall not be liable to any personal loss arising from the stated campaigns.

Audio House

All entries must be received with full name in your countries’ identity document (passport/ID card), and verifiable Singapore mobile number.

All vouchers are redeemable in person at Audio House showroom, LUZERNE Building, 72 Bendemeer Road, #01-20/21/22, Singapore, 339941.

The $20 voucher is subject to a minimum purchase of $100.

The voucher will be valid until 30 November 2018.

One Month Free Rent Draw

All entries must be received with full name in your countries’ identity document (passport/ID card), and verifiable Singapore mobile number.

The winner must show proof of rental, including but not limited to a) Tenancy Agreement and/or b) rental payment receipt.

The prize money shall be equal to the amount of one month’s rent of the winner or up to S$1,000, whichever is lower.

The winner shall be announced in the month of December 2018 on our Facebook page and groups.

fb.com/truuue.home fb.com/groups/trurental fb.com/groups/trurentalchinese

original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

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Dip in HDB and Condo rents in Singapore – Is this the right time to rent?

The month of September 2018 brought about a decrease in the rents of Condos by 0.4% and HDB by 0.5%*. Now into the third month after the cooling measures were implemented, the alarming question is: Are these measures leading to a sluggish rental market in Singapore?

In the same time period, Condo rentals in Singapore were down by -0.4% with OCR posting a decline by -0.7% and CCR by -0.5%.

While the HDB rent were down by -0.5% after posting an increase last month. It is mainly the 3 room flats, that are driving the decline while the spacious 5 room flats have registered a slight increase in rent.

According to the Labour Market Developments statement by Ministry of Manpower, foreign employment (excluding Foreign Domestic Workers) grew slightly by 400 in 1H 2018 but Employment Pass (EP) holders fell (-3,400) due to the rise in the EP qualifying salary.

This has definitely impacted the overall demand for rental properties in Singapore.

But, is this indicative of further lowering of rent in the near future?

Home buying amongst expatriates has slumped as the additional buyer’s stamp duty on home purchases by foreigners has increased. Hence expats will search for properties on rent in Singapore.

We at TRUUUE Tenant (also known as TRUrental Tenant) reckon, in the forthcoming months, foreign buyers may switch from buying a home to renting one, bringing some stability to the slumping market.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has maintained the 2018 growth forecast for the Singapore economy at 2.5 – 3.5% and MOM expects labour demand to pick up in H2 2018, in line with seasonal hiring as seen in previous years.

MOM also predicts that the foreign workforce growth will continue to be moderate.

Heavy on Supply-side – Are there really more rental unit choices in the market?

Yes, the supply of rental properties seems to be increasing as homeowners want to avoid selling at lower prices but would rather monetize through rental income. This has resulted in more properties up for rent and has increased the competition in the market.

It will be interesting to watch how the coming months unfold on the property rent in Singapore.

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

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Find Rooms For Rent In Singapore – Clementi, Jurong, And Other Western Estates

https://blog.truuue.com/Looking for a place to rent in Singapore while you work here can be challenging. Many people who contemplate moving to Singapore for work have told us that that finding appropriate accommodation can play a part in their final decision.

We have heard their voices, and now we have a solution that fits their needs. With TRUrental, you won’t need to search through hundreds of online listings anymore to find a room for rent. Instead, our landlords will find you, through TRUUUE!

As a potential tenant, all you have to do is open the TRUrental app everyday to see a daily refreshed list of rentable rooms and apartments. And we have lots of ready-to-rent locations in the West of Singapore, which includes towns like Commonwealth, Clementi, Buona Vista, Ghim Moh, Jurong and Boon Lay.

Here are some of the active rental listings available for September 2018.

These are popular neighbourhoods in Singapore, because the west of Singapore boasts easy access to the central business district, excellent entertainment and leisure options in every township, and combined, the highest volume of the best public and private housing rental options.

There is sure to be more than one option that will fit your budget and needs.

Don’t miss out on the best options. If you need a little help in person, call TRUrental at 6591 8842 today. We’ll help you set up your viewing appointments!

Check out more inside the Truuue Tenant app! If you are a landlord or agent, you can list your rental unit for free in our Truuue Landlord app.

All The Best For Your New Career In Singapore!

You’ve nailed the job interview or transfer, and are in the final stages of confirming your move to Singapore from China, India, or the Philippines. When you broke the news, you probably attracted no small degree of envy from your friends and colleagues. Many may have told you that Singapore is one of the most sought-after career destinations – ranking even higher than many cities in the western hemisphere.

That’s all true. Singapore was named the 6th best city in the world for work[1], and the best country to live in for 2018. [2] It is also the best country in the world for children to grow up in[3], so if you are considering whether or not to bring your young family with you, the choice is clear: do it.

Naturally, if you are going to bring your family over, it should be for at least a year or longer. And you’ll need a larger place to stay, and amenities like schools and maybe even child-care services. You’ll definitely also want plenty of child-friendly entertainment options near your new residence.

Or if you are single and plan on coming here alone, you’ll want an affordable room with plenty of lifestyle amenities and perhaps some nightlife options to facilitate an active social life after work hours.

No matter what category you belong to, you won’t run short of rental options in the west of Singapore. Comprising Commonwealth, Buona Vista, Ghim Moh, Clementi, Jurong (East and West) and Boon Lay, these are all mature neighbourhoods with plenty to offer.

Check out our guide to how and why you should choose an apartment or room in these localities.

PROXIMITY TO YOUR WORKPLACE

Where you are going to work matters the most in the location you pick, unless you have a car allowance and don’t mind having to drive a little further every day to reap the benefits of a more suburban location, like lower residential density, access to the beach or lower rental rates.

In Singapore though, public transport is sufficiently well developed that you won’t have to travel for more than 90 minutes to get to any place on the island. Here’s what you can expect to find at each town.

Commonwealth (Queenstown)

Commonwealth New Town is a primarily residential township that is part of Queenstown, located in the central-wester part of Singapore. It is the closest in this list geographically to the Central Business District, so you may find yourself considering a Commonwealth or Queenstown room if your new job requires frequent travel between an office in the west and downtown.

The region has a mix of private and public housing, with the balance tilted towards public housing. The town is served by Commonwealth Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station on the East West line, and about 15 minutes by train to the downtown.

Ghim Moh (Buona Vista)

Going further west, you have Ghim Moh or Buona Vista as the area is generally known. Also primarily a housing estate like Commonwealth, the region has been boosted by business hubs like Fusionpolis, Mediapolis, Biopolis, BASH[4] and the Singapore Science Parks (1 and 2).

These are state-of-the-art commercial initiatives intended to house high-tech, disruptive and research-centered startups and MNCs in the biomedical sciences, infocomm technology (ICT) and media industries, concentrated in one general location.

If you are looking for rental options here, you are probably a knowledge-based economy worker such as a computer programmer, technopreneur or research scientist.  Or, due to the proximity of the National University Hospital, INSEAD, ESSEC and National University of Singapore, you may be a healthcare professional, academic staff or student looking for nearby accomodation.

If so, you won’t go wrong with accomodation in this district, as Ghim Moh and Buona Vista are within two or three train stops away, being served by Holland Village MRT station, Buona Vista MRT station[5], one-north MRT station, and Kent Ridge MRT station – all within 15 minutes of each other.

Clementi

Clementi New Town is a residential township with the West Coast of Singapore as its most notable geographical feature. Because of this, it is considered an ideal place to stay for workers in the marine engineering industries nearby the shore.

The National University of Singapore, School of Science & Technology, Singapore Polytechnic, and Ngee Ann Polytechnic are also within its boundaries, making the township an ideal place to stay for students and the academics who teach there.

Going even further west up is a small town by the name of Pandan Gardens, which is even nearer to the marine industrial area.

Jurong (East & West), Teban Gardens & Pandan Gardens, and Boon Lay

Jurong and Boon Lay is a mixed use area comprising Jurong East and Jurong West, that stretches onwards from Clementi towards Tuas on the east side, and Teban Gardens & Pandan Gardens to the south-west, located close to the western coast of Singapore.

At its north-western-most fringes lies Tuas, a large industrial area that includes Singapore’s second link to Malaysia, the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link[6] causeway, along with numerous shipyards, docks, marine engineering companies, heavy industries and factories. There is also a cluster of oil and gas industries located at Jurong Island, and is home to oil refineries for big MNCs such as Shell, Caltex and more.

The Jurong area is further set for explosive growth with the future relocation of the national commercial port to Tuas Mega Port in 2040, and the completion of the now-delayed Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail.

The region, named Jurong Lake District in the master plan for the district, consolidates of all of Singapore’s container port operations at the next-generation Tuas Port, and will comprise port, logistics and heavy industries, while the KL-Singapore HSR is a strategic project that aims to improve connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia, and enhances business-to-business linkages and people-to-people exchanges.

Development of the Jurong Lake District is projected to create more than 100,000 jobs and 20,000 homes – so if you are thinking of staying in Singapore for the long term, you may want to consider buying rather than renting.

FOOD NEARBY

Hungry for hometown fare? You won’t have to endure a long ride to downtown for your favourite comfort foods. We have some recommendations if you are in the neighbourhood:

Commonwealth

North Indian IJ’s Yummy Punjaby

#01-07 Alexandra Central, 321 Alexandra Road, 159971

IJ’s Yummy Punjaby specialises in Indian Cuisine, featuring a tantalising collection of dishes that are suitable for family, large groups, and catching up with friends and colleagues.

Ghim Moh (Buona Vista)

Philippines

Iskina Cebu Singapore

73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore, Singapore 139957 Opening hours: Mon-Tue: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm; Wed-Sat: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm This crew serves up some of the best Bisdak favorites, Lechon Cebu, Spicy BellyChon, Liempo ala Balamban and Inasal nga Manok in Singapore!

North Indian Indian Curry House (One North)

#02-03 Galaxis, 1 Fusionopolis Place, 138522

Crave Tandoori food? Say no more. Here you can find marinated meats of various kinds cooked to perfection in their Tandoor – the original charcoal prepared natural BBQ.

Clementi

North Indian Rangooli 721 Clementi West Street 2, 120721

This restaurant serves authentic North Indian, Punjabi dishes that are very skillfully cooked by chefs who originate from Punjab, no less.

Chinese

Huang Tu Di Xi An Xiao Chi

#01-13/14 CityVibe, 3151 Commonwealth Avenue West, 129581

Traditional South Chinese cuisine doesn’t get more authentic than this. Check out their Xi An Cold Noodles and Biang Biang!

Jurong (East & West) & Boon Lay

Philippines Jollibee (Jurong East)

10 Jurong East Street 12, 609690

Jollibee needs no introduction if you are Filipino, and now you can get it in the very heartlands of Jurong!

North Indian (Vegetarian) Anjappar Authentic Chettinaad Restaurant (Westgate) #04-08 Westgate Shopping Mall, 3 Gateway Drive, 608532

From warming soup recipes to Dum Biryani, North Indian and Indo China staples, this Indian restaurant offers a tantalising collection of dishes that are suitable for casual dining and group gatherings.

Chinese

Cookhouse Mala Xiang Guo 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #05-01 Jem Cookhouse, Singapore 608549 Locals have been queuing up for months to try out this spicy hotpot Chinese fare. You won’t be disappointed by the freshness of their ingredients!

PLAYTIME OPTIONS

There is a wide variety of rest and relaxation options across the West of Singapore. From shopping malls to movie theatres, parks, swimming pools, and even bars, pick your poison when the evenings and weekends swing around. Or simply chill out at your new home with a TV marathon – the choices are all yours.

If you must head out for some leisure though, here are some must-visit rest-and-relax locations in each town to get you started.

Commonwealth

Queensway Shopping Centre

1 QueenswaySingapore 149053

Queensway Shopping Centre is one of Singapore’s most popular mall for Sports Apparels. It offers a wide range of Sports Gear and Sports Apparel.

IKEA 317 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 159965

The legendary Scandinavian chain that sells ready-to-assemble furniture, plus housewares, in a warehouse-like space.

Ghim Moh (Buona Vista)

Holland Village

Singapore’s “Bohemian” enclave (or as the locals endearingly refer to as “Holland V”) is a stretch of restaurants, bars and shops along Holland Road, known for its hipster vibe.

The Star Vista

1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617

Conveniently located next to Buona Vista MRT station, the mall is full of eateries as well as a world-class performance venue.

Clementi

Clementi Mall

Clementi Mall is located right next to Clementi MRT station and has the usual heartland’s mix of retail shops featuring electronics, fashion apparel, restaurants and department stores. It even has a library!

West Coast Park

West Coast Park is a park located at the south-westernmost corner of the West Coast Beach, running parallel to West Coast Highway. The park covers an area of roughly 50 hectares and also has a dog-run at the southernmost end if you would like to bring your furry companions along.

Jurong (East & West) and Boon Lay

Jurong Point

1 Jurong West Central 2, #03-07, Singapore 648886

Jurong Point is a large regional shopping mall next to Boon Lay MRT station and Boon Lay Bus Interchange. It is currently the largest shopping mall in Singapore in terms of number of tenants and the largest in western Singapore.

Jurong Central Park

Walking distance from Boon Lay MRT Station and Boon Lay Bus Interchange This is the first park in Singapore to have life-sized board game features, offering families countless hours of fun and excitement. Using greenery, sculpted terrains, various play equipment and a dice tower, the park recreates favourite childhood board games to add a new dimension to the game play experience.

DAY-TO-DAY LIVEABILITY

Need to find a supermarket, bank, laundromat, remittance, post office, key duplication, clinics, or the nearest hospital? Our township designs ensure that local residents have easy and convenient access to essential services and healthcare at all times. Like everything else, these are often only minutes away on foot or by bus.

The easiest way to find these amenities is simply open up Google maps on your mobile phone and google for one that is nearest to you. Monthly necessities such as utilities and telephone bills can be paid at any 7-11 store, which is handily open twenty-four hours a day for your convenience.

Are You Ready To Get A Room on rent in Singapore?

Download the TRUrental app and let landlords find you today. It’s the easiest way to find a room or apartment for rent in Singapore.

Plus, you can use our super easy-to-use app to coordinate your rental unit viewings, for free! And if you need to speak to a real person, simply call our hotline at 6591 8842 to access our Concierge services!

[1] http://uk.businessinsider.com/hsbc-countries-expats-best-careers-work-2016-12/?IR=T/#6-singapore-5

[2] https://qz.com/1215945/singapore-is-the-worlds-best-city-to-live-in-according-to-hsbcs-expat-explorer-survey/

[3] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-ranked-best-country-for-children-to-grow-up-in

[4] https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/imda/files/inner/about-us/newsroom/media-releases/2015/0211_bash/bash-factsheet-final.pdf?la=en

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buona_Vista_MRT_station

[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia%E2%80%93Singapore_Second_Link

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

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Find Rooms For Rent In Singapore – Tampines, Pasir Ris, And Other Eastern Estates

If you’re looking for the easiest and most convenient way to find a property and rent in Singapore, TRUrental is a great option for you. The app sends you daily notifications about new listings, which are selected for you based on your specified search criteria.

With the app, you’ll also hear from landlords who want you as their tenant, which makes finding a home twice as easy and twice as fast!

Here are some of the active rental listings available for September 2018.

Check out more inside the Truuue Tenant app! If you are a landlord or agent, you can list your rental unit for free in our Truuue Landlord app.

To learn more, call TRUrental at 65918842. You could be scheduling viewing appointments as soon as today.

Renting in Tampines, Simei and Pasir Ris: Everything You Need To Know

There are many advantages to having a property on rent in Singapore’s eastern region. For one, it means quick and easy access to Changi International Airport, which is an absolute bonus if your job requires frequent travel. (Besides, the number one airport in the world also boasts four terminals that are chock-full of family-friendly amenities, activities and eateries.)

Secondly, you’ll find that some of the best local parks and beaches are located in the east, including Changi Beach Park and East Coast Park. And finally, life-long ‘easties’ will argue that the sun shines just a little brighter on their side of the island (a claim that’s not actually backed by proper scientific evidence).

By the time we are done, you will have the information you need to decide if you are an “east-sider”!

Basic Figures

Tampines        Area: 20.89 sq km       Population: 258,310 (2015)

Simei               Area: 2.78 sq km         Population: 42, 710 (2015)

Pasir Ris          Area: 15.02 sq km       Population: 139,810 (2015)

Got A Job In The East? Great!

Known as the commercial hub of the east, the Tampines Regional Centre is home to insurance giant AIA, major banks such as UOB and OCBC, and the Central Provident Fund (CPF). I don’t know anyone who likes a long commute, so if your place of work happens to be located in and around the regional centre, that may be reason enough to make Tampines your home base – you could be walking to work or just be a short bus ride away. (Simei and Pasir Ris would just be one and two train stations away, respectively.)

Also located in the area is the Changi Business Park (also known as the CBD of the east), a technology, IT and financial services centre. It houses major banks – Citi Group, DBS, Credit Suisse, Standard Chartered, to name a few – and other major companies including Cisco Systems, Infosys, Huawei, Honeywell, Wipro – the list goes on. The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and the Singapore Expo are also situated in the area. If you’re working in any one of these organisations, know that the business centre is serviced by the Expo MRT station, which means a quick train ride to and from any of the three estates.

The estates are also extremely well-connected to the rest of the island. The Tampines bus interchange and MRT station (East-West Line and Downtown Line) – both located in the heart of the Tampines Regional Centre, makes travel to the Central Business District (CBD) – and to the rest of the country – uber convenient. (too early?)

For drivers and “Grab-ers”, the entrances/exits to major expressways like the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), Tampines Expressway (TPE) and East Coast Parkway (ECP) are just minutes away from these two major centres.

And if your day-job is an international man/woman of mystery, just note that the by-road commute is only mere minutes from your departure gate.

MATURE ESTATE NICETIES

Are you a homebody? Do you fantasize about pan roasted meals, fresh home cooked pasta, and ice cream binging? No less than 6 supermarkets (yes, more than the fingers on your right hand) are at your grocery run’s disposal.

At the Tampines Regional Centre alone are three supermarkets, each located within the following malls – Tampines Mall, Tampines 1 and Century Square. Next to the Simei MRT station is EastPoint Mall, which has a FairPrice supermarket taking up the entire fifth floor.

In Pasir Ris, White Sands Shopping Centre (located right by the Pasir Ris MRT station) also has an NTUC FairPrice in its basement. As if that isn’t enough, there’s always the Giant Hypermarket located at 1 Tampines North Drive 2 (right across from an IKEA and a Courts Megastore, in case you need to do some furniture shopping).

As you get to know your area, you’ll find more minimarts and smaller supermarkets peppered around the residential areas within each of the estates, many of them located at the void decks or ground floors of HDB flats and private condominiums – you’ll never have to worry about running out of milk.

The area is also well supported by medical services. If you’re feeling under the weather, you won’t have to travel far to see a doctor. The Singapore Doctors Directory online lists at least 37 clinics in Tampines alone (6 in Simei, and another 12 in Pasir Ris). Along with SingHealth, these are useful resources if you need to locate a 24-hour clinic, check where your nearest hospital is at, find a paediatrician, and so on.

In a medical emergency, there are two hospitals (open 24-hours) to save your life: Changi General Hospital at 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529889, and St Andrew’s Community Hospital at 8 Simei Street 3, Singapore 529895.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Locksmith/Key Duplication

So you’ve just rented your apartment and need to make an extra set of keys. Mister Minit is a reliable key-duplication chain store to go to and there just happens to be one located at EastPoint Mall (B1-K1). But what if you’ve misplaced your keys or are locked out of your rental? Well,  Hoe Siong LockSmith(Blk 406 Tampines Street 41, #01-13, Singapore 520406) can not only duplicate your keys, they also happen to be (well-reviewed) locksmiths that have been in the business for 25 years and is one of the best 3 in the business!

Singapore Post Offices

Pay your utility bills and send your letters at any one of these locations:

1 Tampines Central 5, #01-03 CPF Tampines Building, 529508

350 Bedok Rd, Singapore 469538

White Sands, 1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, #05-01, Singapore 518457

Laundromats

If your rental doesn’t come with a washing machine, or if said machine is eaten by the Cthulhu, here are some 24-hour anti-monster laundry solutions:

Wonder Wash (24 hours): 527D Pasir Ris Street 51, #01-02, Singapore 514527

Dobi Ekspress (24 hours):  445 Pasir Ris Drive 6 #01-100, Singapore 510445

Bubble Wash Simei (24 hours):  17 Simei St 4, #01-58, Singapore 529881

Wash2Dry (24 hours): 201E Tampines Street 23, #01-122, Singapore 527201

The Laundry Room (24 hours): 164 Tampines St 12, #01-297, Singapore 521164

FEAST IN THE EAST!

Seriously, food is everywhere. In Singapore, you cannot walk one kilometre without running into an eatery or food kiosk of some sort – eating is unabashedly the nation’s favourite past-time and this region has an equal share of delicious food finds. We’re simply highlighting some of the places where locals have given the thumbs up.

1.     Ministry of Rojak

White Sands Shopping Centre, 1 Pasir Ris Central St 3, #01-30, S(518457).

Known for their Indian Rojak Fondue, the stall also offers local favourites such as tulang, mutton chop and bee hoon goreng. Wash it all down with a hot Teh Tarik or an ice-cold milo dinosaur.

Mellben Seafood Palace

440 Pasir Ris Drive 4, #01-13, S(510440).

This coffeeshop is famous for their pepper crab and crab bee hoon dishes. If you love seafood, it’s worth a visit.

Humble Burger

Pasir Ris Hawker Centre, 110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-22, S(519641).

For an interesting take on the traditional burger, head down to this hawker stall to try their Chicken Rice Burger (with buns made from chicken rice) or Sio Bak Burger. Or you could just indulge in the classics (with a side of twister fries) – their fish and beef burgers are really good.

Comida Fiesta

Singapore Expo Hall 4, 1 Expo Drive, #01-41, S(486150).

The restaurant serves up Filipino-Spanish fusion cuisine with dishes like Kare Kare, Sinigang, Sizzling Sisig, and Seafood Paella.

The Flourist

824 Tampines Street 81, #01-36, Singapore 520824

Here’s a cozy café where you can choose from a sweet selection of gelato flavours such as Matcha and Horlicks, and pair them with a plain waffle, or something more adventurous like charcoal mochi.

GET OUT OF YOUR HOME TODAY

Whether you choose to rent in Tampines, Simei or Pasir Ris, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do in the area.

If your idea of recreation is picking up a great book, you’ll probably never want to leave the massive five-storey Tampines Regional Library. It spans over 10,900 m2 and has over 400,000 books. The library has designed several reading areas that cater to the different age groups.

Flip through a magazine while overlooking a football field or hop on the one exercise bike that’s fitted with a reading desk – after you’ve worked up an appetite, why not take out one of the many recipe books available for loan so you can whip up a lovely meal. (Incidentally, the library also has a culinary studio where cooking classes are periodically run. Just saying.)

There’s another library at White Sands in Pasir Ris, albeit on a smaller scale (1,986 m2 and housing 125,000 books).

If retail therapy is your idea of a good time, there are five malls to drain your bank account: Tampines Mall, Century Square, Tampines 1 (Tampines); EastPoint Mall (Simei); and White Sands (Pasir Ris).

Catch the latest blockbuster at any one of the four movie theatres located at Tampines Mall, Our Tampines Hub, Century Square, and Downtown East.

Dreaming of that beach bod? No more excuses!

The sprawling Tampines Hub, houses swimming pools, jogging tracks, a professional football pitch, rock-climbing walls, a 30-lane bowling alley, an 836 m2 gymnasium, and so on. Alternatively, slap on some sunblock and go for a run or a bike-ride on the Tampines Park connector, a respectable 7 km stretch of largely car-free pathways that connects the three estates, and takes you from Bedok Reservoir Park to Pasir Ris Park. And as you explore the neighbourhoods, you’ll discover that the various estates are peppered with smaller parks, and outdoor playgrounds and gyms (and they’re free to use). With such easy access to everything, there’s no excuse not to get your workout on.

For something a little less manicured, take a leisurely cycle to the Tampines Quarry Park, a small body of water frequented by locals in the know. On weekends, drone-flyers and anglers looking for their elusive catches are a familiar sight, as are cyclists and picnickers.

Pasir Ris Park is another great outdoor space that’s perfect for a day out with friends and family. Not only is the park a safe and scenic environment for cycling and inline skating, kids can also go on pony rides and enjoy the park’s adventure playground. When you’re hungry after all that activity, you could have a packed picnic lunch or rent a barbecue pit (or enjoy a meal at the nearby food outlets). But this isn’t any run-of-the-mill park. There’s also a six-hectare mangrove forest that you’re welcome to explore, as well as a butterfly garden and a birdwatching tower. You could even pitch a tent and camp under the stars in one of the designated camping sites – a pleasant respite from the concrete jungle.

Downtown East in Pasir Ris is a great way to spend the weekend afternoon in a game of laser tag or get some watersports fun at Wild Wild Wet, Singapore’s largest water park.

The integrated accomodations at D’Resort can give you and your family overnight fun at all of Downtown East’s offering too!

These three estates are exceedingly self-sufficient; not only would you have easy access to all your daily needs, there’s also plenty of fun to be had. You may be hard-pressed to think of reasons not to lease in the east!

READY TO RENT? CHECK TRUUUE OUT!

Download the Truuue Tenant app and let landlords find you today. It’s the easiest way find a room or apartment on rent in Singapore. For landlords, list your unit for free on Truuue Landlord today!

Plus, you can use our super easy-to-use app to coordinate your rental unit viewings, for free! And if you need to speak to a real person, simply call our hotline at 6591 8842 to access our Concierge services!

Rent happy with Truuue!

original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

Mr. Forgetful’s Amnesia or Just Denial – Scary Rental Scams Story 2

How difficult is it to remember your own house condition? What is working, what is not – Especially the one which brings in a decent rent every month?

Well, looks like, for Shamir, his landlord was completely oblivious of all things wrong in his own apartment on rent in Singapore. Not in a pleasant situation to be in eh?

6 months left for his lease to expire, Shamir is using Truuue for his next abode, “It isn’t too early to start looking, although in my situation I am almost forced to [Thanks to Mr Forgetful!! ], I wish many landlords will start advertising much in advance as well!”

Mr. Forgetful“Amnesia or just denial, no idea! He never accepted that I fixed so many things!”

Excerpt from the interview with Shamir Hamid.

Shamir – I was aware that the HDB unit I rented six months back had to go through some renovation to be livable. However I was in a hurry and I wanted a place in the lower floors as my parents, who are also staying with me, had some specifications about that.

This place met all the requirements except I was worried about the worn out appliances might stop anytime and the overall status of the kitchen and bathroom fittings was quite dated. I had a quick chat with the landlord, who seems to be a reasonable person and he agreed that there was a need for some maintenance. He assured that he would fix most of it before we move in.

Truuue – Did he fix everything?

Shamir – Oh no, far from that. Probably a few paint jobs were done, just patches of fresh paint, nothing much. Apart from that, I saw everything was as it was before.

I immediately informed him when I moved in and he reacted very strangely. He seemed to be totally unaware of the issues that we discussed earlier and I had to explain right from the beginning. I even sent him some of the photographs to explain and remind.

He said that he will fix them but when nothing happened after a week, I called him again. And the same thing happened again!

Truuue – He could not remember about the fixing the damages?

Shamir – Yes! He acted as if he had no clue and I was extremely frustrated by then. I told him that taps in kitchen and shower panel were leaking I would be paying from my pocket to fix it immediately. I also told him that I would adjust that with the next month’s rent.

Truuue – He agreed?

Shamir – Yes, and I spent about $200 to fix some of the things in the kitchen and bathroom. Informed him everything before fixing those and sent him a copy of the receipts.

When I paid my rent after deducting the expenses, he immediately called back and asked for an explanation. When I reminded him about our discussion he completely declined that and mentioned some of the things I claimed to have fixed were actually replaced by him before I moved in. He was sure that those were unnecessarily replaced.

Truuue – So have you left this place

original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

The Addition Condominium – More Than The Sum Of Its Parts

In August, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong popped an issue that’s been slowly simmering on the threshold of the national consciousness right into the wide open, when he addressed the running down of public housing’s 99-year leaseholds, during this year’s National Day Rally.[1]

Long story short, heated discussions on the topic of housings asset values have revolved around the idea that as a property gets closer towards the end of its term, the harder it is to sell it off at a good price. The end game has the property value plummeting to zero as the term runs out. This, according to commentators, means that HDB buyers are effectively renting their properties from the government, rather than owners.

Notwithstanding how this view of property ownership came about, the Government has taken the stand that HDB owners do in fact own their properties. Ergo, they have the rights to renovate, sell, bequeath and collect rent on the properties, just like owners of 99-year leasehold private properties do.

But, in case you weren’t paying attention: only for 99 years.

But what the Government has left unsaid is that unlike HDB property owners, private property leasehold owners can sell their properties in collective en-blocs, to private property developers who wish to redevelop that particular land parcel. Hence private leasehold owners have the opportunity to cash out for much bigger sums than their property values might suggest; HDB property owners, however, can’t as the land belongs to the government.

Freehold Property : I Want To Break Free!

Freehold property owners on the other hand, have no restrictions whatsoever. Arguing about the benefits of freehold property versus leasehold is like bringing a gun to a knife fight, then tying leasehold’s knife hand behind its back, and then putting a blindfold over leasehold’s eyes while spraying aerosol cream on its head.

There’s simply no contest – because a freehold lease is in perpetuity[2], there is no expiration date, and the value of the property can simply continue to rise (or fall) along with the land value.

Of course, freehold property owners already know this, but you might want to wipe that smug smirk off your face (you know who you are) – the Government still reserves the rights to acquire the land your property is built on for public purposes: for example, building new transport infrastructure, etc.

That said, freehold is the way to go if you really want something you can pass on to your descendants. This is the only option for if you are looking for property investments that doesn’t freefall to zero upon the end of the leasehold tenure – as there aren’t any.

The Solution Is In The Addition

With the advantages of freehold in mind, the arrival of The Addition on the property market should be of much interest to anyone looking for investment grade property – one might argue that the high cost of acquiring a freehold is offset by future capital gains.

The Addition is a 26 unit freehold development condominium located in between Toa Payoh MRT and Potong Pasir MRT as the crow flies. The 21 Meyappa Chettiar Road address (District 13) is right at the city’s fringe, with direct access to the Pan Island Expressway and Kranji Expressway, and and bringing easy commuting to any part of the island.  Units in the 8 story single apartment block are said to come with branded appliances and smart home systems.

The Developer

The developer, Oxley Holdings, is Singapore’s largest developer in terms of residential landbank[3]. It holds a presence across 12 geographical markets, in Singapore, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Myanmar, Australia, Japan and Vietnam. Inclusive of The Addition, the developer has 36 projects in Singapore alone.

Not bad for a company that only started out as a property developer in 2010.[4]

The speed of Oxley Holding’s ascent has been recognised: in 2017, Oxley Holdings’ executive chairman and CEO Ching Chiat Kwong, who propelled Oxley from a local developer to an international developer with a presence in 11 countries in the span of less than five years, was honoured as the Singapore Real Estate Personality of the Year by the editors of Property Report magazine.

The Neighbourhood

The Meyappa Chettiar Road address (District 13) is right at the city’s fringe, with direct access to the Pan Island Expressway and Kranji Expressway, bringing easy commuting to any part of the island.  Shopping malls nearby include NEX, The Venue Shoppes, The Poiz Centre and Heartland Mall Kovan.

Poised in between Toa Payoh, Potong Pasir and nearby Geylang Bahru gives you plenty of schools and eateries within 5 minutes walking or driving distance, along with access to Kallang Park Connector for a spot of outdoor exercise every now and then.

The Competition

Freehold properties are rare. Freehold properties located on the fringe of the city are even more rare. If you are looking for freehold in this district, the only project worth considering is The Poiz Residences, which is 99% sold with only 7 units left at time of writing.

There are also no new freehold properties being planned for this district, so demand for The Addition is expected to run high, even with market cooling measures in place.

Table 1: Recent & Coming New Launches in D13

TenureTOP YearAverage PSFRental Yield*

R Maison

Freehold201611722.6

E Maison

Freehold201612893.1

Sky Green

Freehold201611483.7

Sennett Residence

99 years20161,5373.1

The Poiz Residences

Freehold2019

1,347

NA

The Woodleigh Residences

99 years2022NANA

The Tre Ver

99 years2022NANA

Park Colonial

99 years2022

1,756

NA

The Addition

Freehold2023NANA

* Based on transactions in the last 12 months, excluding projects with 3 or fewer transactions (https://www.squarefoot.com.sg/market-watch/rental-yield)

Can you afford it?

Well if you have to ask…. We’ll tell you! Sign up for a TRUNew account and our onsite mortgage calculator will help you figure out what you can afford.

We will also keep you up to date on The Addition’s launch details, access to VVIP previews via a personalised news feed, plus the following unique benefits:

Be The First To Know

Sign up for a TRUNew account to stay up to date on The Addition’s preview and launch details. You’ll get exclusive access to VVIP previews, plus our platform’s unique benefits:

Get first hand news of its launch with a TRUNew account. Our personalised information feed will keep you to date on The Addition’ launch details, access to VVIP previews, plus our platform’s unique benefits:

The widest listing of units direct from developers (from new launches to sale-of-balance units). We have 239 listings to-date, versus 167 from Propertyguru

First-to-market information for all project launches

In-depth information that your agents may not have told you (via this blog itself)

Customised, print-friendly reports for every project you are interested in

The ability to shortlist, save, and share detailed inter-project and inter-unit comparisons for all your needs

Free Truuue concierge services all throughout your property buying experience, from viewing to post-sales; via the Truuue Ops Team

Personalised information feed for each stage of your purchase (viewing, balloting, unit selection, S&P, post-sales, tenant sourcing)

Appointment reminders for any listed project

Our Compare tool is also handy for helping you see what else you can be buying in this city centre district.

Sign up now, it’s easy and it’s free!

The widest listing of units direct from developers (from new launches to sale-of-balance units). We have 239 listings to-date, versus 167 from Propertyguru

First-to-market information for all project launches

In-depth information that your agents may not have told you (via this blog itself)

Customised, print-friendly reports for every project you are interested in

The ability to shortlist, save, and share detailed inter-project and inter-unit comparisons for all your needs

Free Truuue concierge services all throughout your property buying experience, from viewing to post-sales; via the Truuue Ops Team

Personalised information feed for each stage of your purchase (viewing, balloting, unit selection, S&P, post-sales, tenant sourcing)

Appointment reminders for any listed project

Our Compare tool is also handy for helping you see what else you can be buying in this city centre district.

Sign up now, it’s easy and it’s free!

[1] https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/national-day-rally-pm-lee-explains-99-year-leases-of-public-and-private-housing

[2] https://singaporelegaladvice.com/law-articles/types-of-property-and-home-ownership-in-singapore/

[3] https://sg.news.yahoo.com/oxley-shares-drop-imposition-cooling-022822249.html

[4] https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/property-management-news/2017/11/165354/from-policeman-to-property-developer

https://new.truuue.com/p/the-addition?utm_source=Truuue%20Blog&utm_campaign=The%20Addition%20Article

https://new.truuue.com/compare/?utm_source=Truuue%20Blog&utm_campaign=The%20Addition%20Article#?cp=2805,2527,&cs=16988,12079,

https://new.truuue.com/developer/oxley-holdings?utm_source=Truuue%20Blog&utm_campaign=The%20Addition%20Article

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

Find Rooms For Rent In Singapore – Yishun, Woodlands, and Other Northern Estates

Looking for an apartment or room on rent in Singapore can sometimes be a daunting task. Don’t you wish you can skip past the more tedious bits like going through hundreds of listings?

Well now you can. Simply tell us what kind of requirements you have in mind, and we will find the rooms for you. With Truuue Tenant, you don’t need to search through hundreds of listings to find a room or apartment. Instead, let our landlords find you, with TRUUUE!

If you open the Truuue Tenant everyday, you’ll see that our stock of rooms and apartments available for rent is renewed daily, especially in the Yishun and Woodlands areas.

Here are some of the active rental listings available for September 2018.

Check out more inside the Truuue Tenant app! If you are a landlord or agent, you can list your rental unit for free in our Truuue Landlord app.

These are neighbourhoods that are seeing high demand for rentals, because of the region’s ideal mix of budget-friendly and wide choices available. The best deals are always snapped up quickly. Don’t miss out on the perfect rental.

Call TRUrental at 6591 8842 today to set up your viewing appointments today!

Check your tenancy agreement for any possible disadvantages to you.  (possible re-write of this article to own content)

https://www.posb.com.sg/personal/articles/home-car/clauses-to-look-out-for-in-a-tenancy-agreement

This is a sample from CASE (Consumers Association of Singapore)

https://www.case.org.sg/pdf/Model%20Tenancy%20Agreement.pdf

Average price of rental 1) rooms 2) apartments in <estate> HDB & Condo

Congratulations On Finding A Good Job!

If you are from China, India, or the Philippines, and have accepted a job offer to come and work in Singapore, congratulations! You’ve made the right choice!

And it is the right choice for many reasons. First of all, Singapore is consistently ranked in the top 10 best countries in the world for work (rated 6th in the world in 2016 by HSBC[1]), and was rated the best country to live in for 2018 (according to HSBC’s annual expat survey[2]).

Plus, if you are bringing your wife or young family along, you will be glad to know that it was chosen as the best country in the world for children to grow up in.[3]

But deciding to work in Singapore is just the first of the many right decisions you’ll have to make in making your transition to Singapore a smooth and painless experience over here.

The second one involves deciding on the right room or apartment to stay in. A multitude of factors have to be considered to find a house on rent in Singapore, such as your budget, the location (near your workplace and schools of your choice if bringing kids), and commuting needs.

Thinking of renting an apartment or room in Yishun or Woodlands? Here are some factors that might influence your decision.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

The North Region is home to industrial areas such as Sungei Kadut and Senoko, which host a wide variety of heavy engineering industries, such as Sembawang Shipyard, owner of the deepest dry dock in Southeast Asia, as well as many multinational corporations (MNCs), like Fortune 500 company Baxter Healthcare, Mitsubishi Electronics Manufacturing, and Seagate Singapore. Local microchip titan STATS ChipPAC and Senoko Power also have their head or branch offices and manufacturing facilities located in the Woodlands industrial areas.

The north of Singapore also allows easy access to the Causeway bridge linking Singapore to Malaysia, making it a logical place for companies requiring regular supplies from Malaysia, or logistics firms doing a lot of cross-border deliveries.

Because of the multitude of industries and businesses that call the North home, there are plenty of employment opportunities in this area. Consequently, residential areas in the area have grown to keep up with these workers who wish to live close to their workplaces to reduce their commute time and costs.

The end result is that Woodlands is today Singapore’s most populous town, with 250,290 residents living in the area.[4]

What does this mean to you if your future workplace is in Woodlands?

More rooms and apartments available for rent by volume, than anywhere else in Singapore.

That, on top of being further away from pricier regions nearer to the Central Business District, also means you can stretch your budget further and get more space and options to choose from.

What is true for same is true for Woodlands, applies to Yishun and Sembawang as well, which are neighbouring towns which add only 10 to 20 minutes to the daily commute. Yishun in particular is home to Yishun Industrial Park, which has well known companies such as Murata Manufacturing, Philips Lumileds, Agilent Technologies, Avago Technologies, ATS, ASM-Frontend, and STATS ChipPAC, Inc. as their tenants.

However, even if you don’t work in either Woodlands, Sembawang or Yishun, the north can still be an attractive region. As mentioned, a wider spread of choices and budgets there means you can stretch your rental budget further than perhaps anywhere else on the island – landed property rentals do tend to be much cheaper here, and owing to a large American expat community in this area, tend to have a friendlier feel too.

The opening of the North-South MRT line has improved public transport access to everywhere else. Residents of Woodlands are currently serviced by three Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations: Woodlands MRT Station in the centre, Marsiling MRT Station to the west, and Admiralty MRT Station to the east, while Yishun residents are served by Yishun MRT Station, Khatib MRT Station, and Springleaf MRT Station. And if what you save gives you the convenience of having your own private car, the expressways SLE, TPE and BKE will pretty much take you to anywhere in Singapore that you want to go.

YUMMY FOR THE TUMMY

Singapore is renowned as a food paradise! Many who move to Singapore to work are first overwhelmed by the amazing spread of culinary choices available, then learn to love the agony of choice. Some will miss the cuisine of their native countries.

Don’t worry, there’s something for everyone here, and there’s really no need to spend hours in the kitchen or take long train rides across town just to tuck into your hometown favourites. Most townships will have restaurants or simple hawker stalls that cater to every ethnicity, and are typically only a bus ride away from where you will stay.

Although by no means comprehensive, we do have some recommendations to help cure your homesick cravings if you are renting a room or apartment in Yishun or Woodlands:

Filipino cuisine

Little Topy

Blk 732 Yishun Avenue 5, Singapore 760732  Open on Saturdays and Sundays

Check out their yummy dishes here!

Only open Saturdays, but you get a wide variety of savoury grilled pinoy evergreens at decent prices. Their sizzling Sisig is delicious on its own and well worth a group visit with your colleagues! *note : they are currently in the midst of moving location. We will update this entry as soon as we have news!*

Sweeets Inc

768 Woodlands Ave 6, #01-26, Singapore 730768 Open 7.30am to 10pm

Sweeets Inc is only a few minutes away from Woodlands MRT station and offers some of the best Filipino cuisine in Singapore, serving a tantalizing collection of dishes that are suitable for group gatherings and casual dining. Their specialty waffles are recommended!

Chinese cuisine

Yi Qian Ling Yi Ye Steamboat Buffet 自助火锅店

Northpoint City

1 Northpoint Dr #B1-184 Singapore 769098

Steamboat buffet is this restaurant’s main selling point, and it’s also conveniently located in a large mall filled with other dining and shopping options. Open from 11am to 10pm everyday.

North Indian cuisine (vegetarian)

Komala’s Restaurant – Northpoint City

930 Yishun Ave, 2 Northpoint City, B2-10, The Food Mall, Singapore 769098

Mon to Sun 10.30 am – 10.00 pm.

A fast-food style Indian vegetarian restaurant, this is an easy and quick way to get your vegetarian fix of dhal on the go.

Cakes, Desserts & Coffee

Baker’s Brew Studio No. 6 Jalan Tampang Singapore 758950 Tel: +65 6635 7166 Tue to Sun: 11am – 10pm (Closed on Mondays)

Nestled amongst a cluster of eateries opposite Sembawang Shopping Centre, Baker’s Brew Studio is a baking studio cum café concept. If you are into sweet treats, try the Earl Grey Lavender (S$8.80), Salted Caramel Chocolate (S$8.80).

Citrus By The Pool

3 Woodlands Street 13 Woodlands Swimming Complex Singapore 738600 Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm Sat and Sun: 9am – 11pm

Located in between Woodlands and Marsiling MRT Stations, Citrus By The Pool is a Halal-certified cafe situated within the premises of Woodlands Swimming Complex.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY? NO WAY!

Once you find a place to rent in Singapore and get used to working and living here, you will enjoy knowing that most facilities and amenities are usually no more than half an hour from your residence. Check out these recreational options available in Yishun and Woodlands.

Jogging, cycling, rollerblading Like jogging, cycling or simply long walks? Singapore has an island-wide network of bike and jogging paths situated by picturesque rivers and canals that link you to the major parks in Singapore.

The Yishun Park Connector links the Khatib Bongsu Park Connector to the Canberra Park Connector, passing through the Simpang Kiri Park Connector and Canberra-Sembawang Park Connector, and running by Yishun Swimming Complex, while the Woodlands Park Connector cuts across the mid section of the Northern Explorer Loop, linking the Woodlands (SLE) Park Connector and the Ulu Sembawang Park Connector to the Sembawang Park Connector.

Our National Parks Board has a route recommended for the north region of Singapore that brings you in a loop of various noteworthy sights and sites in Yishun and Woodlands, such as Woodlands Waterfront, Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and Admiralty Park.

Look out for a DIY trail guide or mobile app from Nparks slated to come out in end-2018, which you can use it to explore the trail on your own, or participate in activities and programmes organised along the trail.

Rest & Relax @ Nearby Parks Yishun Park is a 13 ha park located in the centre of Yishun housing estate. Formerly a rubber estate, it is thickly covered with natural vegetation. Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is a small 3 ha park at the southern edge of the housing estate bordering the northern edge of the reservoir. There is a small water sports rental facility, and occasionally there are dragon boat competitions held there.

Nee Soon East Park is located opposite Block 407 Yishun Avenue 6. Facilities include a basketball court and fitness corner. Yishun Neighbourhood Park is bounded by Yishun Ave 2, Ave 7 and St 22 and features an open lawn for picnics and facilities such as fitness corners and playgrounds. Lastly, Yishun Pond Park is located along Yishun Central, in front of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, and features a spiral tower where visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the area.

Libraries There are national libraries within the townships of Woodlands (see Woodlands Regional Library) and Yishun (Yishun Public Library) as well. Membership for foreigners is relatively affordable, check this linkfor details on what you would need to pay.

Shopping & Movies Malls where you can relax and engage in a little retail therpay include Northpoint City, the largest shopping mall in the north of Singapore. It is located next to Yishun MRT station, and has GV Yishun, 10-screen cineplex just adjacent. Other smaller malls are located all around Yishun.

In Woodlands, Causeway Point shopping mall sports major tenants such as Cathay Cineplexes, Cold Storage, Metro, Food Republic, Bagus, Cotton On, Courts, Rubi Shoes, Mimosa and Uniqlo; and Woodlands North Plaza serve the needs of local town residents.

Short getaways

There is also the siren call of Johor Bahru, Malaysia, which is only a short trip away across the Causeway border. Many locals head there to deploy the higher purchasing power of the Singapore dollar, saving money on more affordable food, grocery and retail options as compared to Singapore.

GETTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE YOU DESERVE

Need to find a supermarket, bank, laundromat, remittance, post office, key duplication, clinics, or the nearest hospital? Our township designs ensure that local residents have easy and convenient access to essential services and healthcare at all times. Like everything else, these are often only minutes away on foot or by bus.

The easiest way to find these amenities is simply open up Google maps on your mobile phone and google for one that is nearest to you. Monthly necessities such as utilities and telephone bills can be paid at any 7-11 store, which is handily open twenty-four hours a day for your convenience.

READY TO RENT? CHECK TRUUUE OUT!

Download the Truuue Tenant app and let landlords find you today. It’s the easiest way to rent a room or apartment in Singapore. For landlords, list your unit for free on Truuue Landlord today!

Plus, you can use our super easy-to-use TRUrental app to coordinate your rental unit viewings, for free! And if you need to speak to a real person, simply call our hotline at 6591 8842 to access our Concierge services!

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

How to rent in Singapore with your furry friends

https://blog.truuue.com/I love animals. In fact, I have a cute little maltese who has been with me for 5 years . So when I got an offer to work in Singapore, the first thing that came into mind was how I can find a home for Queen Elizabark. I was uncertain if I would get a place to rent in Singapore where the landlords would allow any animals in the house. And if they did, how would I get about doing it?

After a very long and stressful search, I finally found an apartment that allowed pets. There were a lot of rules and procedures. Some of which include:

Written introduction and description of myself and my pet

Face to face Interview (with Queen Elizabark)

Pet policy

Pet Damage Deposit

Extra $XX per month on top of the usual rent

I couldn’t bear living without Queen Elizabark so I sucked it up and paid my first deposit. It was pricey, so I guess I get to eat my boxed mac and cheese for the many months to come – double whammy.

From this experience, I learnt a few lessons:

Give yourself enough time.

Moving to a brand new place is already a huge hassle, much less finding one that accepts pets. If you are planning to rent in Singapore soon, start to check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least eight weeks before your lease expires. Having more time also means that you might have a higher chance of finding more than one pet friendly house, thus giving you better options to choose from.

Show that you’re a responsible pet owner

Show your prospective landlords that you’re responsible. Provide as many documents as possible to convince them. If possible, provide the following documents:

A letter of reference from your current landlord or condominium association verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.

Written proof that your adult dog has completed or has already been enrolled in a training class.

A letter from your veterinarian or documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies.

Be willing to pay a little extra.

Tell your prospective landlord that you are willing to pay an extra deposit to cover any damages your pet might make to the property.

Looking to rent? Truuue Tenant (also known as TRUrental Tenant) is a new generation prop-tech platform which can help you rent in Singapore as easily and painlessly as possible.

Download our Truuue Tenant App here to access the most comprehensive home and room rental service in Singapore! Best of all, NO AGENT FEES! Same for landlord! Download the landlord app here

original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

Rent In Singapore 2019 – Guide To Renting A Room Or Home

https://blog.truuue.com/You cannot resist the temptation of the Island nation that promises an exciting life, great career opportunities and travel breaks to the Southeast Asian Countries, right?

We know you’re planning to move to Singapore! Welcome!

But if the fact that Singapore is one of the most expensive cities to live in the world scares you, then fret not. We are here to guide you on how to choose a house on rent in Singapore.

Understand your options: Type of accommodation

You need to analyze the options available to you based on your needs and budget. The types of accommodations available in Singapore are:

HDB flats – More than 80% of Singapore’s population live in public housing system facilitated by the Housing Development Board of Singapore.

These are called HDB flats and are the least expensive housing option in Singapore, as it does not have amenities like a swimming pool, 24-hour security and so on.

You can either choose to live in one portion of the flat while the rest is occupied by the owners or you can lease a complete HDB unit.

Condominiums / Apartments –  Definitely much pricier than HDBs, Condominium(s) or Condo(s) as the locals say it, are private properties and often come with various amenities like swimming pool, event area, gym, security services, children play area etc.

If you prefer peaceful surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, we would recommend you explore condominiums for rent along the Tanjong Rhu stretch, such as Pebble Bay, Costa Rhu, Water Place and Sanctuary Green One. Most of these are located near the East Coast Park and has waterfront views.

However, if you prefer staying close to the heart of the business district, then opt for condominiums located in the CBD area such as The Sail at Marina Bay.

If you are a shopaholic and love mall hopping, then choose the areas surrounding the Orchard Road.

These areas are popular, so expect a premium cost for it.

Landed Properties – If you are a family with kids or just want more space for yourself, then you can consider renting Landed houses in Singapore, which include terrace houses, semi-detached houses, and bungalows.

Popular locations for renting landed properties in Singapore include Bukit Timah, Serangoon Garden, and Telok Kurau.

Landed houses are usually spacious and they come with a front porch or garden.

Shophouses – If you like vintage Peranakan-style shophouses, and are interested to explore the old world charm of Singapore, you can consider renting Shophouses in Emerald Hill or Joo Chiat area of Singapore.

However, it is important to note that they are fewer in number, higher in maintenance costs, in most case, one has to take two flights of stairs and the availability of such houses is low.

Serviced Apartments – These are fully furnished apartments with all the essentials included in the rental package. Serviced Apartments often come with a variety of additional services like housekeeping, babysitting, laundry and so on.

Some popular serviced apartments are Treetops Executive Residences, LMB Great World Serviced Apartments, Lanson Place Winsland Serviced Residences, and Fraser Suites.

Most of these properties are custom designed for business travellers and are located in the country downtown.

Needless to say, your choice of accommodation will largely dictate the monthly rental cost. Although, don’t forget to factor in the spike in your recurring domestic expenses due to the location of the property, property facilities, furnished or unfurnished unit.

Furnished units: Units furnished with white goods, furnishings in addition to being nearby amenities like popular shopping malls or hawker centre will definitely attract higher rental.

In most circumstances, as a tenant, you can negotiate what is required and what is to be removed before moving into your new house.

Connectivity: Unlike monthly rent, connectivity has an indirect yet significant impact on the cost of living.

Singapore is very well connected and has a world-renowned public transport system. However, until you own a car, you’ll have to rely on local commuting options like the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit network of local, fast & mostly underground railway system) and the bus network.

Comparatively, buses have a longer travelling time so many prefer to commute via MRT and even stay near an MRT station, even if it means shelling out few extra dollars on rent because overall, you’ll still be saving on time and cost.

How to plan your finances?

The three recurring and upfront costs while looking to rent in Singapore are:

Initial Deposit– You will have to shell out one month’s rent for 12-month lease and 2 months’ rent for 24-month leases.

Make sure, however, you have a diplomatic clause associated with your two-year lease.

Agents’ fees– This one is an optional expense and depends if you hire an agent to search for accommodation. If you do, once the deal is final, you’ll have to pay half a month rent for a 1-year lease or 0.75 to 1-month rent for a 2-year lease.

With the market in favour of renters, you can easily dodge this expense these days!

Utility charges– Unless you rent a shared space, apart from the basic utilities like Water, Gas and Electricity, the phone, internet and cable TV setup is not included in your rent. There is an initial deposit and contracting charges in the first month, thereafter a monthly recurring cost.

Based on your requirements, you do need to factor in these expenses in your monthly payable bills as well.

Paperwork expenses – Last but not the least, you will also have to pay stamp duty while drawing up your legal agreement (mostly taken care by your or landlord’s agent) which is 0.4% of total rent for the period of the lease (up to 4 years).

Visit IRAS to calculate your exact stamp duty.

Once, you know the cost of rent, you can analyze the other indirect expenses that are substantial and will affect your budget. This will help you plan your finances better and will also aid in informed decision-making.

Estimated area wise budget to rent in Singapore:

The long-term sustainability of property prices still remains uncertain and price fluctuation will impact the rent as well.

However, the impact can be curtailed in the case of a price rise by choosing the property wisely. The below number is an estimate for a family of four with two adults and two kids:

Budget: $3,000 and below

Current Singapore market is pro-tenant, and you’ll find a list of fully furnished 4-room HDB apartments for $2000 per month if you are ready to explore suburban areas such as Punggol, Choa Chu Kang, and Woodlands to get good deals.

However, if you prefer staying in a central location, then opt for the smaller 3-room unit in Redhill, Ang Mo Kio, and Bishan. You’ll easily get suitable options for $3000 per month.

Although rare, if you plan in advance, you have a higher chance of being able to rent a 2-storey HDB Executive Maisonettes at the same cost.

If you are looking for options in private estate, consider studio or 1-bedroom condominium in District 9 and 10 but you will definitely get a much bigger place to rent if you are ready to venture out to District 14 and 15 (a short and convenient commute from the central region).

The following heat-map shows Condo, HDB and Landed Property prices by District. This might give a fair idea of Singapore geography and help you consider a suitable area to rent.

Budget: $3,000 – $5,000

In this budget, you can book a 4-room HDB unit in Toa Payoh, Marine Parade and Bukit Merah areas and can go for a 3-bedroom condo located in District 14 or District 19.

If you prefer a spacious terrace house, you can look for options in District 25 to 28.

However, if you work in the CBD area, ideally you should choose the Downtown area – Raffles Place, City Hall, and Marina Bay; But these areas are considerably expensive, and you might have to go for a 1-bedroom apartment if you don’t want to exceed your budget.

Budget: $5,001 – $10,000

You can enjoy a luxurious stay in this budget range. You can easily go for centrally located, 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom condos in Orchard, Marina Bay, Raffles Place, and River Valley.

You can also opt for residential units in Sentosa Cove or can pick a 5-bedroom penthouse in a suburban condominium of District 19.

Additionally, landed properties can also be considered at Changi, Braddell, Macpherson, Tampines, and Potong Pasir.

Budget: Above $10,000

This is a complete royal range, where you can indulge in luxurious serviced apartments, condominiums like St Regis Residences and The Club Residences by Capella Singapore.

Alternatively, you can go for high-end bungalows located in the prime areas of District 10 and 11.

If your range goes beyond $15000, you can also upgrade to upmarket bungalows in Holland Road, River Valley, Tanglin Road, or even around Orchard road.

All these information can be a bit too much to digest if you are new to this region. As always there are hidden gems that remain unnoticed in the crowd of hundreds of property listings and you end up frustrated searching for that perfect place to rent.

A new generation prop-tech platform like Truuue Tenant (also known as TRUrental Tenant) can make finding a home on rent in Singapore as easy and painless as possible by providing the best match based on your need and budget.

Creative add-ons like the concierge service provide assistance ranging from managing the lease agreement to physically moving into the new place and even helping you get the furnishing done or fixing the utilities.

The company plans to partner with insurance companies to cover the tenant from any associated risks so that you have your peace of mind and focus on things that are more important to you.

The best part – all these perks are absolutely free for the tenant!

Let’s now find you a tailored unit to make your stay in Singapore memorable!

**Please note that these are the estimates and prices can vary depending upon the market conditions in 2019.

original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

The South Beach Residences – Ready, Jet Set, Go!

“She looked like she was ready for the beach club in Saint-Tropez.” ― Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians

No locals are around to remember it today, but Beach Road in the early 19th century was quite literally *the* waterfront location. Yes, that’s right, that entire stretch was once a fashionable residential enclave facing sand and sea, lined with coastal villas that served as homes for members of our budding nation’s European community.

Over time (the 1840s), ever increasing demand for commercial property near the Singapore River led to land reclamation in the area.[1] The rest, as they say, is history. A history which along the way has seen Beach Road adorned with many storied and national monuments, such as Raffles Hotel, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, the original site for Raffles Institution, the former Satay Club, the Golden Mile, the Concourse, and our Civilian War Memorial.

The neighbourhood also contains other contemporary Singaporean landmarks that most in Singapore have grown up with, such as Shaw Towers, Golden Mile Complex, the former Beach Road Camp, and Kampung Glam.

Yet with so many iconic developments along Beach Road, there seems there is room for still one more, that is destined for fame.

In 2016, the developer of South Beach Residences along Beach Road raised eyebrows when it turned down an offer of $26 million for one of its penthouses, saying “it wasn’t the right time to launch the project.”

A spokesman for City Developments Limited (CDL) told The Straits Times, “We did not want to conduct any piecemeal sale of South Beach Residences. The plan has always been to launch sales when conditions are right.[2]

The deal, if it had gone through, would have put South Beach property squarely amongst the top 5 most expensive penthouses transacted in Singapore.

CDL was expected to preview its luxury project South Beach Residences on July 13 2018, but it has already chosen to postpone its launch in every year since it TOP’ed. So the question on property punter’s lips now is, when will conditions be right?

The Development

It was back in 2011 that developer City Developments Limited (CDL) and Malaysian company IOI Corp first inked their deal to develop South Beach, described as a mega mixed-use joint venture development that incorporates four heritage buildings formerly used by the military. These heritage buildings included the NCO Club of the old Beach Road Camp, along with two new tower blocks.

The 45-storey South Tower (the taller of its two towers) was completed in December 2014. This tower houses a 634-room hotel, now known as JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, which is decked out by the famed French designer Philippe Starck.[3]

Offering a unique hospitality experience with a blend of the latest integrated technology and cool design elements, the hotel enjoys a symbiotic link with Suntec City Convention Centre, with connections built across and under the Nicoll Highway.

The South Tower also houses The South Beach Residences, comprising 190 luxury apartments ranging from approximately 950 square feet for a 2-bedroom unit to over 6,500 sq ft for a 5-bedroom penthouse. According to CDL, every unit enjoys panoramic views of the Singapore skyline, with stylish fittings and state-of-the-art furnishings. Its six penthouses each come with private swimming pools.

The developer tells us that each unit is epitomised by “Fine craftsmanship” and “Thoughtful finishing.”

They add, “South Beach Residences caters to the most discerning. Each unit is furnished with quality appliances and fittings from leading international brands such as Miele, Duravit and Keuco, infusing every unit with a sense of modernity and timelessness. Exquisitely designed, these homes set the benchmark for urban luxury.”

The Launch

South Beach Residences TOP’ed in 2016; however, the developer decided to delay launch of the property, citing unfavourable market conditions.

In 2017, CDL announced in a statement that sales and rental options were being considered for the 190-unit luxury residence, adding that the group “will decide on the opportune launch timing, so as to achieve maximum value for this prime property.”[4]

In the second quarter of 2018, CDL reannounced plans to put South Beach Residences back on the market, suggesting that the market was right and primed for real estate.[5]

But as it turns out, the developer was blindsided by government’s recent property curbs, announced in June and enacted in August, which raised ABSD rates to 25% and tightened Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits by 5pt.

By August 2018, CDL would announce that South Beach Residences’ launch has once again been put under review following these new measures.[6]

The Developer

CDL is no newcomer in the local property development scene. In fact it is one of the largest players, here and worldwide. A leading global real estate operating company with a network spanning 100 locations in 28 countries and regions, CDL is listed on the Singapore Exchange, one of the largest companies by market capitalisation. Its portfolio comprises residences, offices, hotels, serviced apartments, integrated developments and shopping malls.[7]

It was recently named the top Singapore company for sustainability, and the most sustainable corporation in real estate management and development, in the prestigious Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in 2017.

The company’s properties have also achieved many firsts. For instance, 11 Tampines Concourse was named the first carbon neutral development in Singapore and Asia Pacific, City Square Mall was hailed the first local eco-mall, while Tree House condominium made it to the Guinness World Records in 2014 for having the largest vertical garden.[8]

The Competition

According to Propnex, most of South Beach Residences’ potential buyers are permanent residents and foreigners. For foreigners, the additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) is now 20%, up from 15% before.

However, this is not expected to affect demand for luxury condominiums in the Core Central Region (CCR), with a limited supply of CCR luxury apartments in the near term, no land parcels for sale, and the main buyers coming from overseas who enjoy lower stamp duties here compared to desirable property markets like Hong Kong.[9]

Only the 311-unit City Gate, which is still being built right now, poses as a serious competitor for buyers amongst new developments, but industry insiders say it lacks the ultra-luxury status, iconic location and exclusivity of South Beach Residences and may thus evoke less interest from the jet-set crowd that CDL looks to be targetting.

Rental yield is expected at around 3% for South Beach Residences.

Do take a look at our compare tool to see how South Beach Residences stacks up against its competition.

Table 1: Recent & Coming New Launches in D07

TOP YearAverage PSFRental Yield*

Southbank20101,6003.4

Concourse Skyline2014$25432.8

South Beach

2016$3,473NA

Duo Residences

2017$21462.9

City Gate2020$2065NA

* Based on transactions in the last 12 months, excluding projects with 3 or fewer transactions (https://www.squarefoot.com.sg/market-watch/rental-yield)

The Neighbourhood

At South Beach, residents are only 20 minutes from the Central Business District, Orchard Road (Singapore’s famous shopping district) or airport, with two MRT stations accessed via underground walkways (Esplanade MRT, City Hall MRT) and three train lines connecting to every part of the island.

In the development itself and around the area, there are tourist brochure-worthy shopping, dining, entertainment, clubbing and cultural destinations. The Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands are literally on the horizon – or a cool evening’s walk away.

Being this near to the waterfront also means first-class views of fireworks during New Year’s and National Day celebrations.

Can you afford it?

Well if you have to ask…. We’ll tell you! Sign up for a TRUNew account and our onsite mortgage calculator will help you figure out what you can afford.

We will also keep you up to date on South Beach Residences’s launch details, access to VVIP previews via a personalised news feed, plus the following unique benefits:

Be The First To Know

The continued delay of South Beach Residences launch has the effect of arousing monumental interest in the property market – both here and worldwide.

Get first hand news of its launch with a TRUNew account. Our personalised information feed will keep you to date on South Beach Residences’ launch details, access to VVIP previews, plus our platform’s unique benefits:

The widest listing of units direct from developers (from new launches to sale-of-balance units). We have 239 listings to-date, versus 167 from Propertyguru

First-to-market information for all project launches

In-depth information that your agents may not have told you (via this blog itself)

Customised, print-friendly reports for every project you are interested in

The ability to shortlist, save, and share detailed inter-project and inter-unit comparisons for all your needs

Free Truuue concierge services all throughout your property buying experience, from viewing to post-sales; via the Truuue Ops Team

Personalised information feed for each stage of your purchase (viewing, balloting, unit selection, S&P, post-sales, tenant sourcing)

Appointment reminders for any listed project

Our Compare tool is also handy for helping you see what else you can be buying in this city centre district

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

Rent in Singapore Non-MasterChef – Deadly Tenant Sins Story 4

Singapore is a cultural melting pot and for decades people from different races have coexisted here in harmony and with mutual respect. However, there are sporadic instances that impact the perception of someone who is new in the country.

Before someone jumps to a conclusion it is better to see the root cause of such issues and social prejudices that has developed around it.

For the newcomers, one of the first encounters might happen is while renting a place in Singapore. There are rental listings where the landlord might have mentioned “No Indians No PRCs” or “Prefer Non-PRC and Indians”; these listings are very less in number and sometimes it also comes with some apology for such a behaviour. But it is still there.

Many factors have typecasted an entire race and in spite of the government’s effort to educate people, the private views of some people cannot be altered easily.

One of the most stereotypical factors can be “cooking smelly curries” and the oil and soot collected over months can leave a permanent stench to the property impacting the rental value in the market.

Some landlords are scared to take that risk and some of their actions get translated to a racial slur.

It is not true that anyone coming from China or India are heavy cooks and are irresponsible in keeping their house clean; it varies from one individual to another and this risk is evident even if the house is rented to tenants from any other nationality.

One such incident happened with Kelly Teow who had no restriction in renting a property to any gender, race or ethnicity but ended up being a victim of an experimental cook as a tenant, who doubled up being the most reluctant cleaner.

Not a MasterChef tenant

“He used to cook for hours and never cleaned the kitchen.”

Kelly – I live in a five bedder HDB in Marine Parade and have been living alone for last two years since my wife passed away. My son suggested that I should rent out a bedroom and share the common places with someone, who can be of some company to me if needed.

TRUrental – Did you have any specifications of a particular ethnic background?

Kelly – Not at all! I have always worked in oil & gas sector and my job involved long-term posting in various places around the world. I have friends from all community and ethnicity, so I definitely had no reservations.

So, when I met my new tenant who mentioned that he had travelled and stayed in different countries, I was very excited that thought that I got a perfect match and we can have some common topic to discuss and it would not be boring. Plus, he was very jovial and friendly. I liked his attitude!

TRUrental – Ok so what kind of problem you had?

Kelly – Well, in a few days I noticed that he is a bit clumsy and does not bother much to use the common area and kitchen but not clean things afterwards.

In a few days I also realized that he perhaps was not having much of a outside work and spent most of his time in the house and to my utter surprise, he started cooking a lot. My kitchen was not used a lot and I rarely cooked something for myself. So it was a bit uncomfortable!

However, that was not the problem. He was a terrible cook and a very dirty one too. He used to cook up a storm in the kitchen and it emitted some terrible burnt and foul smell of whatever ingredients he used. One day my son visited and immediately got the smell when he entered the flat. I decided I had to talk to him.

He insisted that cooking is his passion and he is proud to be a great cook. I guess I had to ask him to look for an alternative because I could not have survived with the terrible stink for any longer. I was also tired of constantly cleaning the entire mess after every cooking session!

It was tough for me to respect someone and to talk against his passion without hurting his feelings but had to do that to save myself from that terrible state.

He left but later whenever asked for a rent I clarified about their eating and cooking habits. It is not nice but I am quite scared to live under the same roof with someone who can be a nightmare to me.

TRUrental – We understand. It is important to have a candid chat with your tenant before renting out your place. We always recommend that.          

It can be frightening; letting a stranger into the house. And so it is possible that one fall back on racial/cultural stereotypes and reject the unfamiliar. Don’t worry. TRUrental is working with insurance partners to give both tenant and landlord their peace of mind.

Be it home emergencies in the middle of the night or just bad luck, we will cover you. We are also working with MyInfo to verify the identities of the users.

We at TRUUUE Tenant (also known as TRUrental Tenant) are committed to delivering the best experience suited for both landlord and tenant while they rent in Singapore. We care about all the parties in the property transaction; we always aim for the WIN-WIN outcome. As you are reading this, our team is working relentlessly to find a suitable solution for these issues. To know more about our mission, follow us and download our app. Enjoy peace of mind for your next rental!

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

Rental in Singapore – A Tale of Gluttony

When you rent in Singapore, the place generally comes with the basic white goods like the washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner and kitchen appliances.

Any repairs or replacement are also taken care of by the landlords within one month of occupation and thereafter, by the tenant unless the repair costs are more than $150 to $200 unless stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement.

While some landlords, when asked for help regarding maintenance of their appliance can send a preferred technician to fix things, others might just ask the tenant to go for a standard service, intimate about the payment and deduct that from the monthly rent based on a situation.

For a tenant, it is important to know what to expect in a fully furnished and semi-furnished unit.

Standard ageing, brand quality and overall availability of certain appliances may differ and there are no fixed rules to define what should be available and what can to be excluded. As a tenant be aware and sensitive of the market prices of the appliances and use with care.

To avoid any conflict a few reasonable approaches can be taken:

Check the condition of the appliances before moving in and check any visible damages or faults

Take photos, notify and clarify the damage and repair clause in the tenancy agreement

Old appliances have a higher risk to break down, so it is recommended that the tenant should clarify about the wear and tear of the products and inquire about the possibilities of replacement or refurbishment

In case of any functional failure of the appliance, immediately inform the landlord and seek advice

In spite of all the precautions, there are possibilities that an argument might spark off due to some incorrect actions by either tenant or landlord. Here is an incident that happened with the landlord, Kim Lew, who let out his five-year-old condo in Simei.

All the electrical appliances were also around five years old, previously used by two erstwhile tenants. They were completely functional when Kim let out his place for the third time without thinking much that a mishap may happen.

Shortcut to get a new appliance

“She overloaded the washing machine and dishwasher quite frequently to damage them and get new replacements.”

Excerpt from the interview with Kim Lew:

Kim – When I let my place out to my third tenant the condo was already five years old and the home appliances looked a little dated however those were in perfect working condition as my previous tenants really took good care of my place.

There were no issues when my tenant moved in but in one month she complained that the appliances were old and can break down anytime. I agreed with her and assured her that I will immediately replace those with new ones as soon as they stop working.

Nothing happened but in the next eight months, she complained around ten times that I should be changing the appliances as soon as possible.

I started feeling like a bad landlord and asked an appliance maintenance team to check the status of the air conditions, washing machine, refrigerator and dishwasher to assess whether those need replacement or have more life left.

TRUrental – What was the report?

Kim – The report was quite startling for me. The team reported that there was definitely some life left but the appliances showed clear signs of misuse.

Non-recommended detergents for the dishwasher model were getting used and the machine was getting overloaded causing spilling and damage to the unit and the adjacent kitchen cabinets.

A similar story was with the washing machine and although both the appliances were still functional, an extended misuse of a similar sort would have damaged them permanently.

There were also possibilities of collateral damages in the kitchen and utility area due to these malpractices.

In fact, to their horror, when they asked the tenant whether she was aware of these wrong usage techniques, she blatantly told them that the appliances were old and ugly and the only way those can be replaced was by rendering them useless at the earliest. If she took proper care then there are no scopes to have new ones!

TRUrental – So, did you ask her to be careful while using the appliances?

Kim – Yes, I requested her to follow simple usage guidelines and not to damage anything by force. Especially not to damage the utility area caused by the leaking washing machine and dishwasher.

However, the dishwasher broke down in one month and the repair team told me that this might have happened due to overloading and misuse.

I replaced the dishwasher with a new one but I asked her to leave after the twelve month’s tenancy agreement was over.

It can be frightening letting a stranger into the house. Plus there is always the pain of getting involved in some unnecessary conflict.

Our service desk is always one call away and we handle the issues through the duration of the lease term. Just #help via TRUlandlord app to reach us instantly.

We at TRUUUE Tenant (also known as TRUrental Tenant) are committed to delivering the best experience suited for both landlord and tenant while they rent in Singapore. We care about all the parties in the property transaction; we always aim for the WIN-WIN outcome. As you are reading this, our team is working relentlessly to find a suitable solution for these issues. To know more about our mission, follow us and download our app. Enjoy peace of mind for your next rental!

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

What tenants need!  4 services to keep in mind while you rent in Singapore

https://blog.truuue.com/Singapore is one of the most attractive countries for expats to live and work. Needless to say, it is common for expats to move into properties on rent in Singapore.

However, whether you are new to the country or simply upgrading your home, one is often unsure of all the impromptu requirements that may arise as one settles in and make this country home for the next foreseeable future.

Fret not! Based on our industry experience, we have compiled a list of 4 services that you as a tenant in Singapore should know and be prepared.

Mover

Moving to a new home is a happy affair. To make your moving day a memorable milestone for yourself start with engaging a reliable mover. This will give you a hassle-free experience to move to a property on rent in Singapore.

Cleaner

In a busy city with most hours of the week working, everyone is just too exhausted to do the daily household chores of dusting, mopping and general maintenance. More so, not everyone can afford the luxury of having full time help at home.

So what are your alternatives? How can you have an energetic life for the family after work?

The answer is simple — by leveraging services from our other concierge partner Kaodim. You can get professional cleaners, contractors, caterers among others from Kaodim’s platform for services.

Air-Con Services

A tropical country by the sea, Singapore is hot and humid almost all year round.

What brings respite to this heat?

The almost 24/7 air cons at our workplaces and home.

Needless to say, they need regular maintenance too so you “Don’t sweat it!”. In fact most rental agreements have a clause for servicing the air cons once a quarter.

Our suggestion, sign up with a vendor for regular servicing and ensure your air con is working at its maximum potential.

Handyman

Tenancy agreements in Singapore usually state “Any handyman jobs above $150 is to be borne by the tenant themselves”. So next time your bathroom tap leaks or you want to hang your favourite picture on the wall, don’t scramble, just call us for our exclusive concierge service!

At Truuue we believe not just helping you find your soulful living, but also enable you to live carefree — Because time is irreplaceable and life is infinitely easier when everything you need for your home is in a single TRUrental (also known as Truuue Tenant) app. So let’s make your time when you shift or rent in Singapore easier. Download now!

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

Utilities – All you need to know guide to rent in Singapore

So, you found your ideal house to rent in Singapore, you are ready to move in and can’t wait to use your concierge vouchers from us, but not just yet! Before you unlock that front door, are you aware of all the clauses in your tenancy agreement — Especially about your obligations towards paying for the utilities?

Well, Utilities expenses are recurring and hence it makes a lot of sense to spend some time and review them. By the time you finish reading this article, you will know almost everything about “Utilities” set-up, payment and management.

Let us start with a set of frequently asked what’s, their possible answers and best practices:

What are the questions that you can ask related to your new rented house utilities while signing the Tenancy Agreement (TA)?

       What are included under Utilities in the Tenancy Agreement?

Usually, it is the water, gas and electricity supply which forms a typical Utility Bill. However these days most condos have an induction stove which eliminates gas.

       What about the Internet, telephone, television, aircon maintenance services (Sign up and rent through Truuue App and get $100 home service voucher)?

Amenities such as landline telephone services, aircon  servicing, internet broadband, and cable T.V. are your prerogative. You are solely responsible for setting them up and maintaining them.

       Will the utilities be billed to you as a stand-alone house or will your landlord get the bills, which then he claims from you?

This is a landlord’s prerogative. If the utilities were transferred in your name using your FIN or NRIC number, in that case, you will receive your bills every month and have to pay it to the authorities as and when due.

However if you are renting just a common room or a new en-bloc property like I, where the landlord chooses to bill you back the expenses with every month’s rent, all you got to do is pay on time!

       When are the bills due for the utilities?

This primarily depends on when your account was set. We will come to how to set your account in some time.

       What is the formula for calculating the cost of utilities if it is billed to the landlord?

Unless you occupy the whole unit, most landlord’s in Singapore divide the bill based on the number of the occupant or includes it as a part of your rent.

Communication is the key – You can always ask for the bill to know the monthly consumption.

For further information on current and historical data on tariffs and details on the national average household consumption, you can visit SP Group, the electricity provider to all residential consumers in Singapore.

       Confirm that there are no outstanding utility bills on your house

It is good practice to get at least a verbal (and if possible a written) confirmation from the landlord clearly stating that there are no outstanding utility bills to avoid any unsavoury experience during your stay. I’d recommend following this at the end of your lease term as well.

So now that you are clear with the basics lets look at how to set up your utility account.

You can set up the three basic utilities gas, water, and electricity supply by opening a single account with Singapore Power services (SP Services).

       Completed and Signed Application form for Utilities Account

       FIN or NRIC copy – Front and Back

       Letter of Authorisation from ACRA registered Director (only if leasing the property under the Business’s name)

       Latest ACRA detailed business profile (Applicable only if creating a residential account under Company’s name)

       Documentary proof of occupancy of premises (Usually required upon request)

And initial Security Deposit.

The security deposit ranges from $40 – $400 and $80 – $800 depending on the type of premises you want to rent in Singapore for Citizens/permanent residents and the Expat or Work Pass holders respectively.

The application process:

Applying for a Utility account is simple and SP Services ideally takes about 3 business days to activate the account for you (There is also an express service available to activate services by paying an extra $60 and three hours of notice on all working days except Sunday & public holidays, depending on appointment availability). However, to be on the safe side I’d give it a week.

You can apply for the Utility activation both online and offline.

Option 1: Apply online through the SP Service’s website by filling up the online application form which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Option 2: Like Truuue, SP Utilities has a downloadable App adding to your convenience of being able to apply via mobile or a smart device.

Option 3: Call the toll free number 1800-2222 333 for a phone application. Or you can Fax the completed application form to 6304-8229

Option 4: Apply via Snail Mail: take print and fill up the application form and post it to the address:

Senior Manager (customer service), SP Services Ltd

10 Pasir Panjang Road #03-01

Mapletree Business City

Singapore 117438

Option 5: Apply directly at a customer service centre. There are 2 locations as listed below. Choose either and submit personally.

Manulife Tower: 8 Cross Street #02-01/03, Manulife Tower, Singapore 048424

HDB Hub: 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #02-08 HDB Hub, Singapore 310480

There are a few exceptions and important inclusions, we encourage you to read here.

Now that your Utility is set, make sure you clear your bills on time and avoid any late charges. Thisdetails the components of your bill for easy understanding.

Late Utility Bill charges come in a pink notice reminder fee of 50 cents in addition to a 1% per month charged for late payment.

For all who share an apartment, you could insert a clause in the tenancy agreement that would explicitly state that you would not be held responsible for any late payment of bills if you had made every possible effort to pay them on time.

Bill Payment Methods

Again there are online and offline methods to pay your utility bills on time.

For a hassle-free-no-reminder method, simply set up a GIRO account and link all your recurring bills for payment through it.

Alternatively, you can always pay using their app, or login to your online account or the island-wide several AXS machines.

Retain bills and documents

It is highly recommended to retain your utility bills, Tenancy Agreement, Payment Receipts, and any other monetary exchange receipts with the landlord or the service provider. These documents are the best way to resolve any dispute that might arise between you and the other parties.

We at TRUUUE seek to promote mutual trust and understanding between the tenant and the landlord.

But a truly win-win situation can happen only when all the parties involved are aware of their rights and responsibilities, and act accordingly.

We at TRUrental wish you a Truuue-ly happy stay at your home!

Are you a tenant looking for a room or whole unit to rent in Singapore? Download Truuue Tenant and enjoy perks like Home Service coupons (you can use for your aircon servicing or home cleaning or any other handyman jobs) and peace of mind (our services are always FREE)!

Are you a Landlord who is looking for his next tenant or planning to rent in Singapore soon? Download Truuue Landlord and enjoy tailored service with “Truuue’s customer care” as the mediators, Renters Insurance and verified Tenants at the lowest fee in the market of S$50* upon successful transaction.

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

The South Beach Residences – Ready, Jet Set, Go!

“She looked like she was ready for the beach club in Saint-Tropez.” ― Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians

No locals are around to remember it today, but Beach Road in the early 19th century was quite literally *the* waterfront location. Yes, that’s right, that entire stretch was once a fashionable residential enclave facing sand and sea, lined with coastal villas that served as homes for members of our budding nation’s European community.

Over time (the 1840s), ever increasing demand for commercial property near the Singapore River led to land reclamation in the area.[1] The rest, as they say, is history. A history which along the way has seen Beach Road adorned with many storied and national monuments, such as Raffles Hotel, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, the original site for Raffles Institution, the former Satay Club, the Golden Mile, the Concourse, and our Civilian War Memorial.

The neighbourhood also contains other contemporary Singaporean landmarks that most in Singapore have grown up with, such as Shaw Towers, Golden Mile Complex, the former Beach Road Camp, and Kampung Glam.

Yet with so many iconic developments along Beach Road, there seems there is room for still one more, that is destined for fame.

In 2016, the developer of South Beach Residences along Beach Road raised eyebrows when it turned down an offer of $26 million for one of its penthouses, saying “it wasn’t the right time to launch the project.”

A spokesman for City Developments Limited (CDL) told The Straits Times, “We did not want to conduct any piecemeal sale of South Beach Residences. The plan has always been to launch sales when conditions are right.[2]

The deal, if it had gone through, would have put South Beach property squarely amongst the top 5 most expensive penthouses transacted in Singapore.

CDL was expected to preview its luxury project South Beach Residences on July 13 2018, but it has already chosen to postpone its launch in every year since it TOP’ed. So the question on property punter’s lips now is, when will conditions be right?

The Development

It was back in 2011 that developer City Developments Limited (CDL) and Malaysian company IOI Corp first inked their deal to develop South Beach, described as a mega mixed-use joint venture development that incorporates four heritage buildings formerly used by the military. These heritage buildings included the NCO Club of the old Beach Road Camp, along with two new tower blocks.

The 45-storey South Tower (the taller of its two towers) was completed in December 2014. This tower houses a 634-room hotel, now known as JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, which is decked out by the famed French designer Philippe Starck.[3]

Offering a unique hospitality experience with a blend of the latest integrated technology and cool design elements, the hotel enjoys a symbiotic link with Suntec City Convention Centre, with connections built across and under the Nicoll Highway.

The South Tower also houses The South Beach Residences, comprising 190 luxury apartments ranging from approximately 950 square feet for a 2-bedroom unit to over 6,500 sq ft for a 5-bedroom penthouse. According to CDL, every unit enjoys panoramic views of the Singapore skyline, with stylish fittings and state-of-the-art furnishings. Its six penthouses each come with private swimming pools.

The developer tells us that each unit is epitomised by “Fine craftsmanship” and “Thoughtful finishing.”

They add, “South Beach Residences caters to the most discerning. Each unit is furnished with quality appliances and fittings from leading international brands such as Miele, Duravit and Keuco, infusing every unit with a sense of modernity and timelessness. Exquisitely designed, these homes set the benchmark for urban luxury.”

The Launch

South Beach Residences TOP’ed in 2016; however, the developer decided to delay launch of the property, citing unfavourable market conditions.

In 2017, CDL announced in a statement that sales and rental options were being considered for the 190-unit luxury residence, adding that the group “will decide on the opportune launch timing, so as to achieve maximum value for this prime property.”[4]

In the second quarter of 2018, CDL reannounced plans to put South Beach Residences back on the market, suggesting that the market was right and primed for real estate.[5]

But as it turns out, the developer was blindsided by government’s recent property curbs, announced in June and enacted in August, which raised ABSD rates to 25% and tightened Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits by 5pt.

By August 2018, CDL would announce that South Beach Residences’ launch has once again been put under review following these new measures.[6]

The Developer

CDL is no newcomer in the local property development scene. In fact it is one of the largest players, here and worldwide. A leading global real estate operating company with a network spanning 100 locations in 28 countries and regions, CDL is listed on the Singapore Exchange, one of the largest companies by market capitalisation. Its portfolio comprises residences, offices, hotels, serviced apartments, integrated developments and shopping malls.[7]

It was recently named the top Singapore company for sustainability, and the most sustainable corporation in real estate management and development, in the prestigious Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in 2017.

The company’s properties have also achieved many firsts. For instance, 11 Tampines Concourse was named the first carbon neutral development in Singapore and Asia Pacific, City Square Mall was hailed the first local eco-mall, while Tree House condominium made it to the Guinness World Records in 2014 for having the largest vertical garden.[8]

The Competition

According to Propnex, most of South Beach Residences’ potential buyers are permanent residents and foreigners. For foreigners, the additional buyer’s stamp duty (ABSD) is now 20%, up from 15% before.

However, this is not expected to affect demand for luxury condominiums in the Core Central Region (CCR), with a limited supply of CCR luxury apartments in the near term, no land parcels for sale, and the main buyers coming from overseas who enjoy lower stamp duties here compared to desirable property markets like Hong Kong.[9]

Only the 311-unit City Gate, which is still being built right now, poses as a serious competitor for buyers amongst new developments, but industry insiders say it lacks the ultra-luxury status, iconic location and exclusivity of South Beach Residences and may thus evoke less interest from the jet-set crowd that CDL looks to be targetting.

Rental yield is expected at around 3% for South Beach Residences.

Do take a look at our compare tool to see how South Beach Residences stacks up against its competition.

Table 1: Recent & Coming New Launches in D07

TOP YearAverage PSFRental Yield*

Southbank20101,6003.4

Concourse Skyline2014$25432.8

South Beach

2016$3,473NA

Duo Residences

2017$21462.9

City Gate2020$2065NA

* Based on transactions in the last 12 months, excluding projects with 3 or fewer transactions (https://www.squarefoot.com.sg/market-watch/rental-yield)

The Neighbourhood

At South Beach, residents are only 20 minutes from the Central Business District, Orchard Road (Singapore’s famous shopping district) or airport, with two MRT stations accessed via underground walkways (Esplanade MRT, City Hall MRT) and three train lines connecting to every part of the island.

In the development itself and around the area, there are tourist brochure-worthy shopping, dining, entertainment, clubbing and cultural destinations. The Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands are literally on the horizon – or a cool evening’s walk away.

Being this near to the waterfront also means first-class views of fireworks during New Year’s and National Day celebrations.

Can you afford it?

Well if you have to ask…. We’ll tell you! Sign up for a TRUNew account and our onsite mortgage calculator will help you figure out what you can afford.

We will also keep you up to date on South Beach Residences’s launch details, access to VVIP previews via a personalised news feed, plus the following unique benefits:

Be The First To Know

The continued delay of South Beach Residences launch has the effect of arousing monumental interest in the property market – both here and worldwide.

Get first hand news of its launch with a TRUNew account. Our personalised information feed will keep you to date on South Beach Residences’ launch details, access to VVIP previews, plus our platform’s unique benefits:

The widest listing of units direct from developers (from new launches to sale-of-balance units). We have 239 listings to-date, versus 167 from Propertyguru

First-to-market information for all project launches

In-depth information that your agents may not have told you (via this blog itself)

Customised, print-friendly reports for every project you are interested in

The ability to shortlist, save, and share detailed inter-project and inter-unit comparisons for all your needs

Free Truuue concierge services all throughout your property buying experience, from viewing to post-sales; via the Truuue Ops Team

Personalised information feed for each stage of your purchase (viewing, balloting, unit selection, S&P, post-sales, tenant sourcing)

Appointment reminders for any listed project

Our Compare tool is also handy for helping you see what else you can be buying in this city centre district

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/

[arushikapoor011-blog]

Rent in Singapore Non-MasterChef – Deadly Tenant Sins Story 4

Singapore is a cultural melting pot and for decades people from different races have coexisted here in harmony and with mutual respect. However, there are sporadic instances that impact the perception of someone who is new in the country.

Before someone jumps to a conclusion it is better to see the root cause of such issues and social prejudices that has developed around it.

For the newcomers, one of the first encounters might happen is while renting a place in Singapore. There are rental listings where the landlord might have mentioned “No Indians No PRCs” or “Prefer Non-PRC and Indians”; these listings are very less in number and sometimes it also comes with some apology for such a behaviour. But it is still there.

Many factors have typecasted an entire race and in spite of the government’s effort to educate people, the private views of some people cannot be altered easily.

One of the most stereotypical factors can be “cooking smelly curries” and the oil and soot collected over months can leave a permanent stench to the property impacting the rental value in the market.

Some landlords are scared to take that risk and some of their actions get translated to a racial slur.

It is not true that anyone coming from China or India are heavy cooks and are irresponsible in keeping their house clean; it varies from one individual to another and this risk is evident even if the house is rented to tenants from any other nationality.

One such incident happened with Kelly Teow who had no restriction in renting a property to any gender, race or ethnicity but ended up being a victim of an experimental cook as a tenant, who doubled up being the most reluctant cleaner.

Not a MasterChef tenant

“He used to cook for hours and never cleaned the kitchen.”

Kelly – I live in a five bedder HDB in Marine Parade and have been living alone for last two years since my wife passed away. My son suggested that I should rent out a bedroom and share the common places with someone, who can be of some company to me if needed.

TRUrental – Did you have any specifications of a particular ethnic background?

Kelly – Not at all! I have always worked in oil & gas sector and my job involved long-term posting in various places around the world. I have friends from all community and ethnicity, so I definitely had no reservations.

So, when I met my new tenant who mentioned that he had travelled and stayed in different countries, I was very excited that thought that I got a perfect match and we can have some common topic to discuss and it would not be boring. Plus, he was very jovial and friendly. I liked his attitude!

TRUrental – Ok so what kind of problem you had?

Kelly – Well, in a few days I noticed that he is a bit clumsy and does not bother much to use the common area and kitchen but not clean things afterwards.

In a few days I also realized that he perhaps was not having much of a outside work and spent most of his time in the house and to my utter surprise, he started cooking a lot. My kitchen was not used a lot and I rarely cooked something for myself. So it was a bit uncomfortable!

However, that was not the problem. He was a terrible cook and a very dirty one too. He used to cook up a storm in the kitchen and it emitted some terrible burnt and foul smell of whatever ingredients he used. One day my son visited and immediately got the smell when he entered the flat. I decided I had to talk to him.

He insisted that cooking is his passion and he is proud to be a great cook. I guess I had to ask him to look for an alternative because I could not have survived with the terrible stink for any longer. I was also tired of constantly cleaning the entire mess after every cooking session!

It was tough for me to respect someone and to talk against his passion without hurting his feelings but had to do that to save myself from that terrible state.

He left but later whenever asked for a rent I clarified about their eating and cooking habits. It is not nice but I am quite scared to live under the same roof with someone who can be a nightmare to me.

TRUrental – We understand. It is important to have a candid chat with your tenant before renting out your place. We always recommend that.          

It can be frightening; letting a stranger into the house. And so it is possible that one fall back on racial/cultural stereotypes and reject the unfamiliar. Don’t worry. TRUrental is working with insurance partners to give both tenant and landlord their peace of mind.

Be it home emergencies in the middle of the night or just bad luck, we will cover you. We are also working with MyInfo to verify the identities of the users.

We at TRUUUE Tenant (also known as TRUrental Tenant) are committed to delivering the best experience suited for both landlord and tenant while they rent in Singapore. We care about all the parties in the property transaction; we always aim for the WIN-WIN outcome. As you are reading this, our team is working relentlessly to find a suitable solution for these issues. To know more about our mission, follow us and download our app. Enjoy peace of mind for your next rental!

Original content available at https://blog.truuue.com/