Renting a property or even a room isn’t hard for most people as they are free to choose their preferred area with little constraint other than a budget. However, for the #LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community, rental opportunities are still much more challenging, unfortunately.
Despite being a leading metropolitan city-state, some aspects of Singapore’s lifestyle remain very conservative. As the island still does not have any anti-discrimination laws to officially protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, #same-sex couples or singles aren’t usually as welcomed by landlords when it comes to leasing a property.
They can be rejected subjectively just on the basis of their sexuality as the standard template used in most residential leases (Suggested Tenancy Agreement in the Consumers Association of Singapore) has a clause stating that “the tenant cannot use the flat for any illegal purpose or activities of an improper nature.” As same-sex activities are considered illegal in Singapore, this clause provides enough grounds for conservative landlords to reject rental applications from LGBT tenants.
To help with this ongoing situation and to show support for inclusivity with diversity-friendly, Singapore property search portal 99.co has a ‘Diversity Friendly’ tag on its platform for property listings. The tag replaces 99.co’s previous ‘All Races Welcome’ initiative tag which had been in place since 2014, when the property search portal first started its fight against housing #discrimination.
The diversity-friendly tag casts a wider net for equality by including the LGBTQ community and other #diversity factors (race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation and physical ability). By adding the diversity-friendly tag to their listings, landlords and property agents confirm that they are open to LGBTQ tenants. Likewise, by clicking on the same tag when searching for properties, 99.co lists (verified) properties that fit the bill, saving time and effort for both parties.
99.co’s portal also states which properties can be seen remotely via a virtual property tour to make things safer and convenient with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
There are no obvious neighbourhoods that are more diversity-friendly than others, as the LGBTQ community don’t tend to live in particular areas around the island. Factors such as where they work (especially before the current WFH situation) usually determine where they would live, hence the diversity-friendly tag greatly assists in finding potential accommodations in every district of the country.
A quick search on 99.co’s user-friendly rental portal generates properties in popular neighbourhoods (both as listings and on a map across the island). Results show safe options with real potential that have been verified and are available in real-time. The pink (what better colour to promote equal rights) circles on the map list the number of properties available in the region. Tenants can also search by adding more filters such as travel time, MRT (including all future-MRT options), HDB town or preferred district to get as close to their preferred location as possible.
Clicking on one of the shortlisted properties then opens a new window for more details of the intended property or room. In addition to the usual photos and neighbourhood information found on other property search portals, 99.co information includes property insights, transaction history and price trends, making the search transparent and convenient.
Once again, 99.co is leading the way to bridging the inequality gap in the property market by spearheading such innovative initiatives to providing more welcoming and supportive homes to every community in Singapore.
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Have you had any interesting experiences renting a home you would like to share with us? Let us know in the comments section below or on our Facebook post.
If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends The LGBTQ+ Guide to Renting (and Buying) Property in Singapore [2021 update] and How does the new Singles Scheme support the LGBTQ+ Community?
Looking for a property? Find the home of your dreams today on Singapore’s fastest-growing property portal 99.co! If you would like to estimate the potential value of your property, check out 99.co’s Property Value Tool for free. Meanwhile, if you have an interesting property-related story to share with us, drop us a message here — and we’ll review it and get back to you.
Is renting a property difficult for the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore?
Despite being a leading metropolitan city-state, some aspects of Singapore’s lifestyle remain very conservative. As the island still does not have any anti-discrimination laws to officially protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, #same-sex couples or singles aren’t usually as welcomed by landlords when it comes to leasing a property.
Why is renting for the LGBTQ+ community challenging in Singapore?
They can be rejected subjectively just on the basis of their sexuality as the standard template used in most residential leases (Suggested Tenancy Agreement in the Consumers Association of Singapore) has a clause stating that “the tenant cannot use the flat for any illegal purpose or activities of an improper nature.”
Are there platforms that help the LGBTQ+ community rent safer and better?
To help with this ongoing situation and to show support for inclusivity with diversity-friendly, Singapore property search portal 99.co has a ‘Diversity Friendly’ tag on its platform for property listings. The tag replaces 99.co’s previous ‘All Races Welcome’ initiative tag which had been in place since 2014, when the property search portal first started its fight against housing #discrimination.
The post Diversity-Friendly Property Rentals In Singapore appeared first on 99.co.
