Common Mistakes to Avoid During Handover
Handing over your property at the end of a lease sounds simple but it’s one of the most common sources of financial loss for tenants in Singapore. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a smooth, stress-free reinstatement and full deposit recovery.
Handing over your property at the end of a lease sounds simple but it’s one of the most common sources of financial loss for tenants in Singapore. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a smooth, stress-free reinstatement and full deposit recovery.
1. Waiting Too Long to Start Planning
Many tenants only start thinking about reinstatement a few weeks before lease expiry and that’s a big mistake. Permit applications, scope approvals, and complex dismantling works all take time. Start planning 2–3 months early to lock in reliable contractors and avoid last-minute penalty fees.
2. Choosing the Cheapest Contractor Without Checking Credentials
The cheapest quote often hides:
- Hidden costs later (variation orders)
- Poor workmanship that fails landlord inspection
- Delays due to unreliable subcontractors
Always verify that your reinstatement contractor is certified, NEA-compliant, and has a track record of successful projects.
3. Misunderstanding Landlord Requirements
Each landlord and building management team has specific reinstatement standards.
Failing to meet them can result in rejected handovers, withheld deposits, and rework costs.
Pro tip: Request the landlord’s reinstatement checklist upfront and align your contractor’s quotation directly to those requirements.
4. DIY-ing Complex Works
Removing partitions might seem doable but reinstating sprinkler systems, waterproofing bathrooms, or restoring false ceilings is another matter.
Unlicensed reinstatement works can void compliance with BCA, NEA, or building management policies and cost far more to fix later.
5. Forgetting About Waste Disposal Compliance
Did you know improperly disposing of renovation debris can lead to fines?
All reinstatement debris must be sorted, recycled, or disposed of via licensed NEA vendors.
At 18CD, we guarantee 100% compliant, eco-friendly disposal so you stay on the right side of the law.
How 18CD Helps You Avoid These Pitfalls
- Detailed Site Surveys: We capture every detail your landlord expects.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden variation orders.
- Certified Team: NEA, BCA, and BizSAFE compliant professionals.
- Project Management: We coordinate with landlords, building managers, and your internal teams to deliver seamless handovers.
Other Important Articles
- Office Reinstatement Services
- Case Studies
