Eviction Notice Template (Singapore)
Evicting a tenant in Singapore requires following a carefully prescribed legal process — a landlord who attempts to remove a tenant without the correct notice and, where necessary, a court order risks significant legal liability. Our free Singapore eviction notice template (notice to quit) is structured in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 2020, the Distress Act (Cap. 84), and Singapore common law notice requirements, giving Singapore landlords a legally sound first step in the eviction process.
We write on behalf of Tan Property Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("the Landlord"), the owner of the property at 45 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208804, #03-12 ("the Property").
Lease commencement: 1 July 2024 · Lease expiry: 30 June 2026 · Monthly rent: $2,800.00.
What Is an Eviction Notice?
An eviction notice (formally called a notice to quit in Singapore) is a written notification from a landlord to a tenant demanding that the tenant vacate the rented premises by a specified date. It is the first formal legal step in the Singapore eviction process and is required before a landlord can seek possession of the property through the Singapore courts. An eviction notice does not itself give the landlord the right to physically remove the tenant — in Singapore, a landlord cannot forcibly evict a tenant (for example, by changing the locks, removing their belongings, or cutting off utilities) without a court order. Doing so constitutes an unlawful act for which the landlord may face civil and criminal liability.
In Singapore, the grounds and process for eviction depend on the type of tenancy and the reason for eviction. For private residential properties covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 2020 (RTA), a Singapore landlord may seek repossession by: (a) serving the correct notice at the end of the tenancy term; (b) serving a notice of breach (for non-payment of rent or other breaches) and, if the tenant does not remedy the breach within the notice period, applying to the Singapore Rental Disputes Resolution Framework or the Singapore courts for a possession order. For HDB flat tenancies, the HDB's subletting framework governs, and disputes are resolved through HDB's mediation process or the Singapore courts. For commercial tenancies, the landlord may exercise the right to forfeit the lease under common law and the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act (Cap. 61), subject to the tenant's right to apply for relief from forfeiture.
The Singapore Distress Act (Cap. 84) provides landlords with an additional remedy for rent arrears: the right to distrain (seize) the tenant's goods on the premises and sell them to recover unpaid rent. This remedy is exercised through a licensed Singapore bailiff and does not require a court order, making it one of the most immediate debt recovery tools available to Singapore landlords. However, distraining goods does not give the landlord the right to repossess the property — that still requires the proper notice and court process. For full eviction, the Singapore landlord must ultimately obtain a writ of possession from the Singapore State Courts (for claims within State Courts' jurisdiction) or the High Court, which authorises the Singapore court bailiff to physically remove the tenant and change the locks if the tenant fails to vacate.
What This Template Covers
Our Singapore eviction notice template provides a clear, legally structured notice to quit for residential and commercial tenancies in Singapore.
Landlord's Details
Full legal name, NRIC/UEN, and address of the Singapore landlord serving the notice.
Tenant's Details
Full legal name and address of all named tenants on the Singapore tenancy agreement.
Property Address
Full Singapore property address (including unit number) and a reference to the head tenancy agreement date.
Ground for Eviction
Clear statement of the ground: expiry of tenancy term, non-payment of rent, breach of tenancy conditions, or other RTA-recognised ground.
Rent Arrears Schedule
For rent-default evictions: a schedule of the unpaid rent — period, amount due, and total arrears in Singapore dollars (S$).
Notice Period
The legally required notice period — which varies by ground, tenancy type, and the provisions of the tenancy agreement. For non-payment of rent under the RTA, typically seven days' notice to remedy.
Vacation Date
The specific date by which the tenant must vacate the Singapore property and return the keys to the landlord.
Reinstatement and Security Deposit Statement
Reminder of the tenant's reinstatement obligations and notice that the security deposit will be applied against outstanding rent, damage, and costs.
Warning of Legal Proceedings
Express notice that if the tenant fails to vacate by the stated date, the Singapore landlord will apply to the Singapore courts for a writ of possession without further notice.
Method of Service
Delivery instructions — personal service, registered post, or email — consistent with the tenancy agreement and Singapore law requirements for valid service.
How to Create a Singapore Eviction Notice
Follow these steps to serve a valid, court-admissible eviction notice on a Singapore tenant.
- 1
Verify the Ground for Eviction and the Notice Period
Identify the ground for eviction (end of tenancy, rent arrears, breach of terms) and check the tenancy agreement for the required notice period. Under the Singapore Residential Tenancies Act 2020, the notice period for non-payment of rent is typically seven days to remedy the breach. For end-of-tenancy notices, the notice period is set by the agreement — typically one to two months.
- 2
Calculate the Rent Arrears (if applicable)
For a rent-default eviction in Singapore, prepare a clear schedule of rent arrears — the periods for which rent is unpaid, the amount per period, and the total outstanding in S$. Attach relevant bank statements or payment records as evidence.
- 3
Complete and Review the Notice
Fill in the notice with the correct parties, property address, ground for eviction, rent arrears (if applicable), and the specific vacation date. Ensure the vacation date gives the tenant at least the minimum notice period required by the Singapore tenancy agreement and applicable law.
- 4
Serve the Notice by the Correct Method
Serve the Singapore eviction notice in accordance with the service provisions of the tenancy agreement — typically by hand, registered post, or email if permitted. Keep a copy of the notice and proof of delivery (registered post receipt, courier confirmation, or read receipt for email service). For Singapore court proceedings, proper proof of service is essential.
- 5
Apply to Singapore Courts if the Tenant Does Not Vacate
If the tenant does not vacate by the stated date, apply to the Singapore State Courts or the Singapore Rental Disputes Resolution Framework for a writ of possession (or possession order under the RTA). The writ authorises the Singapore court bailiff to attend at the property and remove the tenant if necessary. Attempting to forcibly evict the tenant without a court order is unlawful in Singapore.
Legal Considerations
Singapore eviction law strictly prohibits "self-help" eviction by landlords. Understanding the correct process protects landlords from liability and ensures the eviction is legally effective.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a Singapore-qualified lawyer or visit the Law Society of Singapore.
Reviewed for Singapore Law
Residential Tenancies Act 2020 — Lawful Eviction Process
Under the Singapore Residential Tenancies Act 2020 (RTA), a Singapore landlord cannot evict a tenant of a private residential property without following the lawful process. For non-payment of rent, the landlord must serve a written notice requiring the tenant to pay the arrears within a specified period (typically seven days under the RTA). If the tenant does not remedy the breach, the landlord may apply to the Singapore Rental Disputes Resolution Framework for a possession order. The landlord cannot change the locks, remove the tenant's belongings, or cut off utilities as a means of eviction — these acts constitute unlawful eviction and may expose the landlord to civil liability (damages) and potential criminal liability under Singapore law. The RTA applies to private residential properties; HDB flat evictions are governed by HDB's separate framework.
Distress Act (Cap. 84) — Recovery of Rent Arrears Without Eviction
The Singapore Distress Act (Cap. 84) allows a Singapore landlord to recover unpaid rent by distraining (seizing) the tenant's goods on the premises — without a court order. The landlord instructs a licensed Singapore bailiff, who attends the property and seizes goods to the value of the rent owed. The goods may be sold by public auction after a prescribed notice period. Importantly, the Distress Act remedy recovers rent but does not achieve eviction — the tenant is not removed from the property. The Singapore landlord must separately pursue possession through the courts. The Distress Act remedy is subject to exemptions: goods belonging to third parties (not the tenant) and CPF-protected items are generally exempt from distress.
Writ of Possession — Singapore State Courts Process
To physically evict a Singapore tenant who refuses to vacate after a valid notice, the landlord must apply to the Singapore courts for a writ of possession. For claims within the Singapore State Courts' jurisdiction (District Court up to S$250,000; Magistrates' Court up to S$60,000), the landlord files a claim in the relevant court. For RTA-covered residential tenancies, the Singapore Rental Disputes Resolution Framework provides an accessible and faster route. Once a possession order or writ of possession is granted, the Singapore court bailiff can attend the property and physically remove the tenant and their belongings if the tenant fails to vacate by the court-ordered date. The cost of the court process and the bailiff's fees can be sought from the tenant as part of the court order.
Security Deposit Deductions and Reinstatement at End of Tenancy
At the end of a Singapore tenancy — including an evicted tenancy — the landlord may deduct from the security deposit for: unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, outstanding utilities, and costs of reinstating the property to its original condition. Singapore landlords must provide an itemised statement of deductions and return the balance of the deposit within a reasonable period after the tenant vacates (typically fourteen to twenty-one days in Singapore practice). Excessive or unjustified deductions from the Singapore security deposit may be challenged by the tenant through the Singapore Rental Disputes Resolution Framework under the RTA 2020 or through the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) for amounts up to S$20,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Create Your Singapore Eviction Notice Today
Generate a legally structured, court-admissible eviction notice for Singapore in minutes. State the ground, calculate rent arrears, set the vacation date, and download the PDF — the correct first step in the Singapore eviction process.
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