What are black and white houses?
Built between 1903 and 1941, black and white houses got their name from their signature whitewashed walls and dark timber beams. Other notable features include overhanging eaves to keep rainwater off the house, and verandahs to keep it airy.
The design was also said to be inspired by indigenous Malay houses, in which homes were propped up on stilts to allow air to circulate underneath the house, as well as prevent termites and damage from flash floods.
According to a National Heritage Board article, the black and white house design was attributed to architect Regent Alfred John Bidwell of Swan & Maclaren. This was due to his design of the W. Patchitt House at Cluny Road, the first-ever black and white house, in 1903.
This Cluny Road house, which is no longer standing today, started the black and white house trend. The well-heeled, including government officials, barristers and brokers, started buying up large plots of land and commissioned for houses to be built in such a style.
These days, there are approximately 500 black and white houses in Singapore. Most of them are now owned by the state and rented out.
Some are used as restaurants and bars, such as in Dempsey Hill, Rochester Park and Seletar Aerospace Park.
If you’re thinking of renting a black and white house, one way is to go for those rented out by SLA. Here’s a handy guide that will bring you through the process!
But first, who is eligible to rent a black and white house Singapore?
One main criterion SLA sets out is that as an individual planning to rent out such a house, you should at least have an average monthly income of three times the bid rent, or be assessed by SLA to have sound financial status.
If the bidder is a company or a firm, the bidder must be of sound financial status, as assessed by SLA. SLA will assess this based on the two years financial statements that are submitted with the bid.
In general, those who fall under any of the following are not allowed to bid:
Persons under the age of 21
Persons or companies/firms debarred by the Government from participating in tenders, auctions or bidding exercise launched by ministries and departments of the Government and statutory boards
Persons against whom a bankruptcy petition has been presented in the High Court
Persons adjudicated bankrupt or persons against whom a receiving order has been made
Insane persons
Companies/firms for which a petition for winding up has been presented in the High Court or companies/firms in liquidation
Companies/firms placed under receivership and a receiver has been appointed to manage the affairs
Companies for which an application has been made for the appointment of a judicial manager or companies placed under judicial management
Persons or companies/firms who are or have been tenants of State properties managed by the SLA or its agents on behalf of the Government and who have monies owing to the Government
How long is the tenancy?
SLA typically leases out these houses for a period of two years.
What to take note before renting a black and white house in Singapore?
1. You need to bear the cost of all repair and maintenance
In general, when it comes to rental properties in Singapore, tenants are to ensure that the house is kept in good condition.
Tenants are also typically required to pay for any minor repairs, although this is usually capped to a certain amount, as agreed and stated in the tenancy agreement. This amount generally ranges from S$150 to S$300. If the cost exceeds this amount, the landlord will pay the balance.
What’s different about renting the black and white houses is that as a tenant, you are liable to pay for all the maintenance and repair expenses. This includes maintaining the garden areas, the interior and structure of the buildings. You’ll also have to replace any fixtures and fittings that are beyond repair.
2. You need to demolish any work done during the tenancy, before returning the property to SLA
During the tenancy, you can carry out works on the premises, such as constructing a new building or structure (such as building a swimming pool) and carrying out renovations. Of course, all these are subject to approval by SLA and the relevant authorities.
However, before the lease ends, you have to demolish and remove any of these works, at your own expense.
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