Setting up utilities, internet and aircon servicing in your rental as an expat

You've signed the lease and collected the keys. Here's how to get the home actually running.

It's the stretch right after handover, and it's where a lot of first weeks go sideways, because the lights, the wifi and the aircon each have their own lead time.

Electricity, water and gas: one account

In Singapore, one utilities account with SP Group covers electricity, water and piped gas. You don't need to apply to separate providers.

Foreigners aged 18 and above with a valid pass can open an account online, through the SP app, or at SP's customer service centre. You'll need your identification and may be asked for your tenancy agreement.

Do it before you move in. An empty unit often has its supply switched off, and activation can take a few days. Set the account start date to match your lease.

Expect a security deposit. It's billed with your first bill, and the amount depends on the property type. It's usually higher for foreigners than for citizens. You get it back, offset against your final charges, when you close the account.

Choosing an electricity retailer

Once your SP account is active, you can stay on the standard tariff or switch to a private retailer under the Open Electricity Market. Retailers offer fixed-price and discount plans that can save money.

Before switching, check the contract length and early termination fees. If your lease might end early, a long contract can cost you more than it saves.

Internet

Most homes are wired for fibre broadband. Several providers compete on price and speed, and plans are usually bundled with a router.

Book installation as early as you can. Watch the contract length here too. Many plans lock you in for 24 months, and ending early typically costs a fee. If your lease is shorter than the contract, ask about no-contract options or what happens if you move.

Aircon servicing

This isn't a utility, but it's one of the first things to set up, because most leases make it your responsibility from day one.

The standard requirement is servicing every three months by a contractor, at your cost. Many tenants sign a servicing contract with one company so it runs on schedule without chasing.

Keep every receipt. If a major aircon part fails and you can't show it was serviced, the repair can be billed to you, and major repairs can run into the thousands.

Check at handover that every unit works properly, and ask when it was last serviced. Problems you report at the start are the landlord's to fix.

What we do. At handover we note the condition of each aircon unit and when it was last serviced, so you start the lease with that on record.

When you move out

Close your utilities account with enough notice for a final meter reading on the day you leave. End or transfer your electricity retailer and internet contracts. Return any rented equipment such as routers, or you may be charged for it.

The short version

Open your SP account before move-in. Consider an electricity retailer, but check the contract length. Book internet early. Set up quarterly aircon servicing straight away and keep the receipts.

If you're setting this up around a new job and a new city, it helps to have someone keeping the list. Doors is there for the whole stretch, from the search through to the move-out inspection. See how it works on the Doors page.

Doors by The Yellow Door helps expats find and settle into homes in Singapore, from the search through to the move-out inspection. This article is general information and not legal advice. Rules and rates change, so check the current position with SP Group before you act.