Signing a tenancy agreement comes with one important administrative step: stamp duty.
In Singapore, stamp duty is payable on documents relating to leases of immovable property. Once the tenancy agreement has been properly stamped, a Stamp Certificate is issued as proof.
Here is what tenants and landlords need to know.
Who Pays Rental Stamp Duty?
The tenancy agreement should normally state who is responsible for paying the stamp duty.
According to IRAS, the terms of the agreement determine who is contractually liable. If the agreement does not specify this, liability follows the Third Schedule of the Stamp Duties Act.
For residential tenancies, IRAS also notes that tenants are liable to pay the stamp duty unless the tenancy agreement states otherwise.
So before signing, check the tenancy agreement rather than assuming who will pay.
How Is Rental Stamp Duty Calculated?
For most residential tenancies, the calculation is straightforward.
IRAS calculates rental stamp duty based on the contractual rent or market rent, whichever is higher.
For leases of 4 years or less, the formula is:
Monthly rent × number of months × 0.4%
For example, if the rent is S$3,000 per month for 2 years:
S$3,000 × 24 months = S$72,000 total rent
S$72,000 × 0.4% = S$288 stamp duty
So, the rental stamp duty is S$288.
For leases of more than 4 years or an indefinite term, stamp duty is calculated using 0.4% × 4 × Average Annual Rent.
If the Average Annual Rent is S$1,000 or less, the lease is exempt from lease duty.
For most one- or two-year residential tenancies, the easiest rule to remember is:
Monthly rent × lease period × 0.4%
IRAS rounds the final duty down to the nearest dollar, subject to a minimum duty of S$1.
When Must the Tenancy Agreement Be Stamped?
Timing matters.
If the tenancy agreement is signed in Singapore, it should be stamped within 14 days after signing.
If it is signed overseas, it should be stamped within 30 days after the document is received in Singapore.
Stamping can be completed through the IRAS myTax Portal.
Late, unstamped or insufficiently stamped documents may attract a penalty of up to four times the amount of stamp duty payable.
Why Does the Stamp Certificate Matter?
The Stamp Certificate proves that the tenancy agreement has been duly stamped.
IRAS highlights its importance in disputes involving matters such as unpaid rent, property damage, unauthorised subletting or a tenant remaining after the tenancy ends.
Landlords can therefore ask the tenant for a copy of the Stamp Certificate where the tenant is responsible for stamping the agreement.
Before You Sign a Rental Agreement
Before committing to a tenancy, make sure you understand:
Monthly rent → lease period → stamp duty → security deposit → key tenancy clauses.
Renters can use the RealAgent Listing Portal to compare available rental properties before deciding which home best fits their budget and requirements.*
The Bottom Line
Rental stamp duty is a relatively small cost compared with the total rent, but it is still an important part of completing a tenancy properly.
For most residential leases of four years or less, the basic calculation is:
0.4% of the total rent for the lease period.
Always check who is responsible for payment, how much is due and whether the agreement has been stamped within the required deadline.
Disclaimer: Stamp duty rules and rates used in this article are accurate as of 8 September 2026 and may change. Always refer to the latest IRAS guidance before completing a tenancy.
