Home Maintenance Checklist Before Rental Handover in Singapore

Why a Handover Checklist is Important

Many tenants in Singapore are surprised by deductions from their security deposits for minor issues like nail holes in walls, leaking taps, or loose cabinet hinges. For landlords, ensuring the property is in top shape is essential for attracting the next tenant quickly.

A proactive approach to maintenance not only saves you money but also makes the final inspection with the landlord or property agent much smoother.

1. Walls and Painting: The Most Common Deduction

Walls often show the most signs of use. Whether it's scuff marks from furniture or holes from hanging pictures, landlords expect walls to be clean and holes to be patched.

What to check:

• Nail and Screw Holes: All holes from mirrors, shelves, or TV mounts should be patched and touched up.
• Scuff Marks: Minor scuffs can often be cleaned, but deeper marks may need a fresh coat of paint.
• Stains: Check for any food splatters or moisture stains, especially in the kitchen.

Handyman Tip: If you've lived in the property for several years, a full "refresh" coat of paint is often cheaper and looks better than trying to touch up dozens of individual spots.

2. Plumbing and Bathroom Fixtures

Leaking taps and faulty toilet flushes are high on the list of items landlords check. These issues can waste water and lead to more serious damage if left unresolved.

Handover Plumbing Checklist:

• Taps: Ensure all taps (kitchen, bathroom, service yard) turn on smoothly and don't drip when closed.
• Toilet Flush: The flush should be strong and the water should stop running completely after the cistern refills.
• Drains: Check that water drains quickly from all sinks and floor traps.
• Bidet Sprays: Ensure the hose isn't leaking and the nozzle works correctly.

3. Doors, Hinges and Rubbish Chutes

Doors that don't close properly or noisy rubbish chutes are often cited in handover reports. These are usually quick fixes for a handyman but can be a point of contention during inspection.

• Door Alignment: Ensure all bedroom and bathroom doors close and latch properly.
• Hinges: Tighten any loose hinges and lubricate squeaky ones.
• Rubbish Chute: In HDB flats, the chute door should close tightly and the handle should be secure.

4. Electrical and Lighting

Safety is paramount. All switches and sockets must be functional and secure. Burnt-out bulbs should be replaced before the final walkthrough.

• Light Bulbs: Every single light in the property should be working.
• Switches: No switches should be loose or cracked.
• Sockets: Ensure all power points are working correctly.

5. Carpentry and Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets and wardrobes are subject to daily use. Check for loose handles or drawers that stick.

• Hinges: Kitchen cabinet hinges often rust due to moisture. Replace any that are damaged.
• Drawer Rails: Ensure drawers slide smoothly and aren't off their tracks.
• Shelves: Check that all internal shelves are secure and level.

What to Send Us for a Quick Handover Quote

If you have a list of items that need fixing before your move-out date, the fastest way to get a quote is to send us photos of everything on WhatsApp.

• Photos of all wall holes/marks
• Close-up of any leaking taps/toilets
• Photos of loose hinges or handles
• Your location and handover date
• Whether the unit is empty or furnished

Transparent, Task-Based Pricing

At Fix My Home SG, we understand that handover repairs are often urgent. By seeing your photos first, we can provide a comprehensive quote for all the small jobs at once, saving you multiple call-out fees.

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