Safety Guide

Roomies Match · Safer shared living in Singapore

Our commitment: Roomies Match is not a property agent, landlord, or legal advisor. We provide verification tools, house rule transparency, and compatibility matching to help users make safer decisions. The final responsibility for due diligence lies with each user.

What "Verified" Means on RoomieMatch

Verified users have submitted a valid government-issued identity document (e.g. NRIC, passport, or valid pass) for manual review by our admin team.
We check that the name on the submitted ID matches the name used to register on RoomiesMatch. This confirms the user is who they say they are.
Verified badge = real identity confirmed. It does not constitute a background check, financial vetting, or guarantee of conduct.
A "Verified" badge on a lister means their right-to-rent document has been reviewed. It is NOT an identity check or background check.
Contact details (phone number) are only accessible to verified users to reduce spam and fake enquiries.

Safe Viewing Tips

Always view the room in person before agreeing to anything.
Meet at the property, not a separate location.
Bring a friend or family member if you're not comfortable going alone.
Inspect the room thoroughly. Check for water damage, ventilation, locks, and shared facilities.
Ask to see the tenancy agreement or existing lease to verify subletting rights.
Never sign or pay anything on the day of your first viewing.

Payment & Tenancy Safety

Never pay a deposit before viewing the room in person.
Never transfer money to someone you have not physically met.
Avoid cash payments without a written receipt.
Deposits should be paid only after signing a tenancy agreement. Always request to see the draft agreement before paying anything.
Confirm the deposit amount, refund conditions, and notice period in writing before signing.
Make payment only to the rightful owner or authorised party. Before transferring any money, verify the payee against official documents such as a property tax statement, title deed, or a tenancy agreement listing them as an authorised person. The name on the bank account should match.
Do not transfer funds to third parties or intermediaries. If you are asked to pay someone other than the landlord or main tenant named in the agreement, treat this as a red flag and do not proceed.
Request to see the tenancy agreement and ownership documents in full before committing. You have every right to read and review them.
Make sure you are liaising directly with the main tenant or the property owner, not a third party.
Ask for proof that the person renting to you is legally authorised to do so. This means either proof of property ownership such as a title deed or property tax document, or written landlord approval showing the main tenant is permitted to sublet.
For HDB flats, subletting requires HDB's written approval. Ask to see this documentation.
Be cautious of deals that seem unusually cheap or where the landlord is overseas and unable to meet you in person. These are common signs of rental scams.
Do not share copies of your NRIC, passport, or other personal documents until you have verified the legitimacy of the listing and the person you are dealing with.
Screenshot and keep records of all communications and payment receipts, in case of any dispute.
If you are unsure about any document or agreement, consult a licensed real estate agent (CEA-registered) before signing or paying.

Common Rental Scam Warnings

Prices significantly below market rate for the area and room type.
Lister asks you to pay first and view later.
Lister claims to be overseas and cannot meet in person.
Pressure to decide or pay quickly.
Requests to pay via PayNow to an unknown individual before any contract.
Listing photos look professional but the lister is evasive about the actual address.
No tenancy agreement offered or lister refuses to stamp with IRAS.

Singapore Rental Reminders

HDB flat rooms: minimum lease of 6 months required by law.
Private residential properties: minimum lease of 3 months.
Subletting a whole HDB flat requires written HDB approval.
All tenancy agreements should be stamped with IRAS within 14 days of signing.
Lister must notify landlord and obtain written consent before adding a new occupant.
Confirm that tenants have the right type of pass/residency to rent (some HDB flats have restrictions).

Report a Suspicious Listing or User

If you encounter a listing that appears fraudulent, unsafe, or violates our terms, please use the Report button available on every listing page. Our team will review reports within 1–2 business days.

For urgent safety concerns, contact Singapore Police Force at 999 or the Scam helpline at 1800-722-6688.