Pets are humans' best friends, providing loyalty, companionship, and emotional healing. Young people, in particular, place a high value on this emotional support. As a result, many individuals encounter issues related to pet ownership when renting a home. In Singapore, is it possible to keep pets while renting? What should you be aware of? Here are some relevant tips.
Can You Keep Pets When Renting in Singapore?
Keeping pets while renting in Singapore is not completely prohibited. It mainly depends on whether your landlord agrees and whether all aspects of your pet ownership comply with relevant laws and regulations.
When keeping pets in Singapore, you first need to clearly understand and abide by the relevant laws and regulations.
■The Animals and Birds Act stipulates that your designated birds, dogs, or other pets must be registered and microchipped in accordance with the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
■Under the Dog Licensing and Control Rules, to prevent and control rabies, all dogs must obtain a license by the age of 3 months. The license is valid for one year and needs to be renewed before it expires. If you fail to comply with the legal requirements for microchipping and licensing, you may face a fine of up to S$5,000.
Regulations on Keeping Pets in Residential Properties：
■HDB Flats
Residents are allowed to keep only one dog, and the breed must be one of the 62 approved by the Housing and Development Board (HDB).
A 2-year transition period (1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026) has been introduced to allow cat owners to ease into the changes, and to meet the cat-keeping rules and licensing conditions. Cat owners must have their cat licensed by the NParks Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) by 31 August 2026. Otherwise，keeping unlicensed pet cats will be illegal.
Starting from September 1, 2024, until August 31, 2026, there will be a transition period during which HDB residents are permitted to keep cats. Pet cats must be licensed and microchipped. After September 1, 2026, keeping unlicensed pet cats will be illegal. Please refer to the guidelines from NParks Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).
■Private Residential Properties
Generally, residents can keep a maximum of three pets. However, some condominium management committees may have stricter regulations regarding the types and sizes of pets allowed. Written permission from the management committee may be required.
What Should You Consider When Renting with Pets in Singapore?
Lease Terms
Before signing the lease, make sure that the contract clearly states the terms allowing pet ownership, including details such as the types and numbers of pets, to avoid disputes later. Undeniably, having pets is likely to cause damage to furniture, floors, walls, etc. Therefore, you may need to prepare for additional rent or a deposit and bear the corresponding repair or compensation costs.
Comply with Regulations
In public areas such as corridors, elevators, and community gardens, you need to abide by relevant regulations. Promptly clean up after your pet, keep it on a leash, and ensure that certain specific dog breeds wear muzzles to prevent them from harming people or causing disturbances to other residents.
Noise Control
Avoid excessive noise from pets, especially during quiet hours, to prevent disturbing neighbors. Otherwise, you may face complaints and penalties.
Hygiene and Cleaning
Regularly clean and groom your pet to maintain a hygienic living environment and prevent odors, which could negatively impact your home and the surrounding area.
How to Find Pet - friendly Accommodation in Singapore?
■Look for listings on legitimate real estate websites and contact a licensed real estate agent to confirm whether the landlord allows pet ownership and any relevant details.
■Hire your own tenant's agent to help you find a suitable place and communicate your requirements.
■Ensure that the accommodation has enough space for the pet to move around and rest. Also, check for nearby facilities such as pet stores, veterinary clinics, and open parks, so you can purchase pet supplies, access medical services promptly, and provide a suitable space for your pet to run and play freely.
List of Popular Pet - Friendly Residences in Singapore
■Some sought-after pet-friendly condominiums include:
1. The Sound (East coast road)
2. Costa Del Sol (ECP)
3. The Bayshore (ECP)
4. Mandarin Gardens (ECP)
5. Condos around Fort Road and Meyer Road (Katong)
6. The Sail@Marina Bay (Marina Boulevard)
7. Nouvel 18 (Anderson Road)
8. Leonie Condotel (Leonie Hill Road)
9. Orchard Scotts (Anthony Road)
10. The Clift (McCallum Street)
11. J Gateway (Gateway drive)
12. Braddell Heights Estate
13. Reflections at Keppel Bay
14. Optima (Tanah Merah)
15. Gem residences located between Lorong 4 and Lorong 6 Tao Payoh
（with dedicated pet-friendly amenities such as play pools)
■Popular Pet Parks, where you can find some pet - friendly HDBs nearby.
1. Bishan, around Ang Mo Kio Park.
2. Potong Pasir Ave 1
3. Tai Gin Road
4. Turf Club Road
5. Sembawang road
6. Tiong Bahru
7. Yishun Central
8. Hougang Ave 10
9. Yuan Ching Road
10. Clementi Woods (West coast road)
11. Pasir Ris street 51
12. Koong Seng road
13. Mariam way (Old Tampines Road)
14. Jalan Selamat and Lengkong Tujuh
15. Jalan Pari Burong and Upper Changi Road
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