What your relocation package usually covers, and what it doesn't

A relocation package makes moving to Singapore far easier. But most packages are built around getting you here, and stop well short of the things that actually cost tenants money once they've arrived.

Knowing where your package ends helps you plan for the gaps.

What packages commonly include

Packages vary a lot by employer and seniority, but common elements include:

• Flights for you and your family

• Shipping of household goods, by sea, air or both

• Temporary accommodation, often a serviced apartment for the first few weeks

• A relocation consultant to help with the home search and orientation

• A housing allowance, or the employer leasing the property directly

• Help with work passes for you and your dependants

• School search support

• A tax briefing

• Repatriation costs when your posting ends

What's often not covered

The lease itself. A relocation consultant helps you find a home. Whether anyone negotiates the terms on your behalf, such as the diplomatic clause, repair liabilities, reinstatement or renewal, depends on the arrangement. Ask.

Upfront costs. The security deposit, stamp duty, utilities deposit and any agent fees may or may not be covered, or may come out of your allowance.

The handover inspection. Documenting the property's condition when you move in is usually left to you, and it's what decides whether you get your deposit back.

Setting up. Furniture if the unit is unfurnished, internet, and the ongoing aircon servicing most leases require.

Leaving early. If your job ends or you're transferred before the lease is up, the costs of exiting depend on your lease, not your package. That includes any agent commission you may need to reimburse under the diplomatic clause.

Moving out. Cleaning, aircon servicing, repairs and repainting required by your lease at handover.

That list is the stretch Doors is built around: from the home search through to the move-out inspection, for a flat fee agreed upfront, and we never take a fee from both sides. We're not a replacement for your relocation consultant. We pick up where the package stops.

Check how your allowance is taxed

Housing benefits and allowances provided by an employer can be taxable in Singapore. How much depends on how they're structured. Ask your employer or a tax adviser early, so the first tax bill isn't a surprise.

Questions to ask before you accept

• Who signs the lease, you or the company?

• What happens to the lease if the posting ends early?

• Are deposits, stamp duty and agent fees covered?

• Does the relocation consultant negotiate lease terms, or only help you search?

• Is the housing allowance fixed, or capped at actual rent?

• What's covered when you leave?

The short version

Most packages get you here and into a home. The lease terms, deposit protection, early exit costs and move-out obligations are usually yours to manage. Find out where your package stops before you sign anything.

If you'd like to know what a lease like yours would need before it's signed, send it to us. The Doors page shows how we work, from the search through to the move-out inspection.

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 your employer and a tax adviser before you act.