How to Verify Foreigner Student Pass for Tenancy in Singapore

Request for Student card or Enrollment letter from the school or university

Verify from the link: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/ipienquiry/web/verifi/landing

It is a requirement by the Council for Estate Agencies(CEA). Now, real estate salespersons must check all tenants, including foreign students, really well when renting a home in Singapore.

The check is to follow the Ministry of Home Affairs’ updated Women’s Charter. This change started on August 7, 2020. It says both landlords and tenants must make sure everyone’s identity is true when signing the lease.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate agents must really look into the background of all tenants, even foreign students.
• They need to make sure the IDs are real, checking things like NRIC and Student pass.
• They also check the passes against the actual passports to be extra sure.
• Agents need to keep detailed records of all these checks, with copies of important documents, for 5 years.
• Focusing on following the Personal Data Protection Act is a must when dealing with personal info of tenants.

Understanding the Legal Requirements

The Practice Circular 01-20 explains what landlords and RESs must do when renting homes in Singapore. It tells them how to follow the law under the Immigration Act and the Women’s Charter.

Immigration Act and Women’s Charter Regulations

The Women’s Charter (Amendment) Act 2019 was approved on 4 November 2019 and started on 7 August 2020. This law, along with the Immigration Act, makes sure landlords check tenants’ immigration statuses, including foreign students, in Singapore.

Role of Real Estate Salespersons in Tenant Verification

The Practice Circular 01-20 highlights RESs’ role in checking tenants and occupiers carefully. This includes foreign students. If these checks are not thorough, the CEA may penalize the RES.

When dealing with locals (Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents), RESs need to verify their NRIC. If it’s lost, a police report is needed. They also check the passports and passes of foreign tenants. If they can’t verify someone’s identity, they report it to the Police.

If a client doesn’t sign the Checklist, the RES must note this and highlight any suspicious things to the Police. They should think about whether to stay in a deal with such clients and report to the police if needed. Using e-signatures on the Checklist is okay.

If RESs are involved in renting homes for illegal activities, they can face legal charges. They must keep a record of the completed Checklist and all checks for 5 years as part of industry rules.

Property Manager in Singapore.

how to verify foreigner student pass for tenancy in singapore

Checking Original Immigration Documents

Real estate salespersons (RESs) start by asking for the student’s passport and student pass. These must be the original documents. To rent in Singapore, non-citizens need the correct passes. For students, this pass is the Student Pass. It has to be valid for at least 6 months.

Cross-Referencing with Passport Details

Next, the RES checks that the student’s passport and pass match. This step makes sure the documents are real and belong to the same person.

Verifying Pass Validity with ICA/MOM Databases

The RES then uses the ICA and MOM’s online tools to check the Student Pass. This is often done through the ICA’s iEnquiry.

Is it a good idea to rent to Students as a Landlord?

Renting to student tenants, especially from abroad, is a good choice for many in Singapore. But, it’s not without its challenges. It’s crucial for landlords to know the legal rules and risks linked to renting to students.

Tips for Red Flags

There are some things landlords should be careful about when choosing students to rent: Check that the student has a valid Student Pass. Do this by matching their passport details with official immigration or labor department databases. Keep an eye on how many people live in the property. The rule on the number of tenants changes based on the flat size. For example, smaller flats can’t have many renters, but larger ones can have up to six.

Landlords should also know about the Non-Citizen Rent Out Quota. This rule controls the amount of non-locals who can rent HDB flats in specific areas. It’s important to inform HDB about any changes in tenants within seven days.

Renting to students can be a good move, but it’s vital for landlords to be careful. They must follow all the rules to protect their property and keep a good relationship with tenants.

Conclusion

Verifying foreign students’ passes is key for landlords and real estate salespersons (RESs) in Singapore. It keeps them in line with the law. This means they must carefully check immigration documents and passport details. They also need to confirm pass validity using official systems. By doing this, RESs can help landlords reduce risks. They ensure the rental process follows the rules.

Singapore has a unique housing scene. Most people live in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats. Add strict quotas for non-citizens. This makes checking tenants very important. There are different rules for HDB flats and private places. So, it’s crucial to know the rules for each type of property.

As a real estate expert, I know diving into these housing laws matters. It’s to offer the best to landlords and tenants. Keeping on top of the rules is my job. It helps make sure renting is easy and follows the law for everyone. I work to make renting a success while protecting my clients’ needs.

Links for Information:

1. https://www.cea.gov.sg/docs/default-source/Professionals/Agreements-Checklists/checklist-for-lease-of-property-in-compliance-to-women-39-s-charter-and-immigration-act-(version-2).pdf
2. https://www.cea.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/download-here-(pdf-71kb).pdf
3. https://www.cea.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-practice-guidelines-on-due-diligence-checks-under-the-womens-charter-and-immigration-act.pdf
4. https://www.hdb.gov.sg/business/estate-agents-and-salespersons/renting-a-flat/eligibility
5. https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/check-legal-status-foreign-tenants-ica-advises
6. https://www.gov.sg/article/renting-out-your-hdb-flat