{"id":57840,"date":"2022-08-15T19:01:25","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T11:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=57840"},"modified":"2022-08-30T17:30:49","modified_gmt":"2022-08-30T09:30:49","slug":"queer-renting-singapore-tips-from-lgbtqia-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/queer-renting-singapore-tips-from-lgbtqia-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Renting as a queer in Singapore: 9 tips from the LGBTQIA+ community"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Back in June, aka Pride Month, we organised an event for potential renters from the LGBTQIA+ community. Titled Renting in Singapore: Keeping It Crystal Queer, we had a few experts discuss their experiences of moving out and navigating the rental market in Singapore.<\/p>\n

(Shout-out to CP Residences, a co-living provider in Singapore, for sponsoring the event.)<\/p>\n

Here are some takeaways the panellists shared during the event.<\/p>\n

1. Think about what you need before renting<\/h2>\n

One of the key things the panellists highlighted is that you should think about what you need in a home before moving out.<\/p>\n

Jared from The Heartwavers elaborated on the factors to consider, such as the room type and the amount of money you\u2019re willing to spend on rent.<\/p>\n

2. Ensure you have enough savings before renting<\/h2>\n

The expenses incurred from leaving the nest and renting<\/a> can be substantial, so you\u2019ll need to make sure that you\u2019ve set aside enough money for it.<\/p>\n

Jared shared that as a rule of thumb, you should have six to 12 months\u2019 worth of rent in your bank account before you rent.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t just take into account the monthly rent; there\u2019s also the rental deposit (aka security deposit<\/a>) that you have to pay. Usually, the security deposit is one month\u2019s rent for a one-year rental period, or two month\u2019s rent for a two-year lease.<\/p>\n

With that, he recommended that for those renting for the first time<\/a>, it\u2019s best to rent for six months first to test it out. Doing so also means that you\u2019ll be paying less deposit.<\/p>\n

He also suggested setting aside 50% of your salary for expenses and 30% for savings (since 20% of it goes to your CPF savings).<\/p>\n

Kenny, from Haus of Pride and Prident, echoed Jared\u2019s suggestion, adding that you\u2019ll need to look at what you need and what you can afford. Ensure it\u2019s realistic and adjust your expectations if necessary.<\/p>\n

\"Crystal<\/a>
Kenny shared that it’s important to take a look at what you can afford.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For instance, if you\u2019re earning S$3k and have S$2k in savings, his advice was to save for another six months before moving out to rent.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, if you need to move out urgently but don\u2019t have enough money, Jared suggested moving in with friends, relatives or going to a shelter first.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a mini checklist the panellists shared on what to do and what to have before moving out:<\/p>\n