What Does It Mean?
Tenancy Agreement (TA)
A Tenancy Agreement (TA) is the legal contract between landlord and tenant setting out rent, deposit, lease term, and the responsibilities of each party. In Singapore, tenants pay stamp duty on the TA to IRAS, and standard terms include a security deposit (usually 1 month's rent per year of lease) and a minor-repairs clause where the tenant bears small repair costs up to a set cap.
Diplomatic Clause
A diplomatic clause is a break clause commonly included in tenancy agreements of 2 years or longer. It lets the tenant terminate the lease early — typically after a minimum 12-month occupation and with 2 months' notice — if they are required to leave Singapore (e.g. job relocation or repatriation). It protects expatriate tenants from being locked into the full term if their circumstances change.
Why It Matters
The Tenancy Agreement governs everything from your deposit to who pays for repairs, and the diplomatic clause can save an expatriate tenant thousands if they are posted away mid-lease. Reading these clauses before signing prevents the most common landlord–tenant disputes.
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Official Sources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays stamp duty on a tenancy agreement?
What is a minor-repairs clause?
This glossary article is auto-generated from ShiokNest's financial data and updated periodically. Rates and figures are current as of July 2026. Check official sources for the latest.