Read these before you book. They cover what we do, what we don't do, and what happens if something goes wrong. Plain language version below; the legally-binding full text is downloadable as PDF on signing.
1. Who we are
BestRent.asia ("BestRent", "we", "us") is operated by BestRent Pte. Ltd., a private limited company registered in Singapore (UEN 202412345A) with a regional office in Phuket, Thailand. We act as an intermediary between landlords ("Landlords") and tenants ("Tenants"). We are not a landlord ourselves and do not own any of the properties listed.
2. What we provide
We provide: a curated catalog of long-term rental properties, escrow services for deposits and first-month rent, dispute mediation, and account management via our dashboard. Our service fee is 8% of first-year rent, disclosed before booking, paid by the Tenant at lease signing.
3. What we don't provide
We don't provide: immigration services (talk to a lawyer), tax advice (talk to an accountant), short-term holiday rentals (look at Airbnb), property sale or purchase services (we don't sell, only lease), or guarantees of property quality beyond our inspection at listing time.
4. Booking and payment
To reserve a property, you must: (a) sign the lease, (b) submit deposit + first month + service fee into escrow within 48h of signing, (c) pass identity verification (ID upload + email/phone confirmation). Failure to complete within 48h releases the property back to the catalog. Funds in escrow earn no interest and are held by Wise Payments Singapore Ltd. on our behalf.
5. Cancellation
Before move-in: Tenants may cancel up to 7 days before move-in with full refund of deposit + first month, minus our service fee (which is non-refundable after 24h cooling-off). After 7-day window, deposit forfeited as agreed in the lease.
After move-in: Early termination by Tenant: 2 months' notice + forfeit of 1 month's deposit. Early termination by Landlord: 2 months' notice + reimburse Tenant 1 month's rent unless tenant is in material breach.
6. Escrow release
First month + service fee released to Landlord + BestRent on confirmed move-in (Tenant signs the move-in checklist). Deposit held throughout the lease; released to Tenant within 14 days of move-out, less any documented damages agreed by both sides or determined by mediation.
7. Dispute resolution
Any dispute is escalated as follows: (1) direct negotiation between parties via our messaging system, (2) BestRent-mediated review within 7 business days, (3) binding arbitration in Singapore under SIAC rules if mediation fails. We do not enforce against either party in disputes; we simply hold the escrow until resolved.
8. Property condition
Properties are inspected by us at listing time. Listing photos must accurately represent the property within 90 days of listing. If material discrepancy is found at move-in (e.g., promised pool not functional), Tenant may cancel with full refund within 48h of move-in.
9. Limitation of liability
BestRent's total liability under any circumstance is capped at the service fee paid by the Tenant. We are not liable for: personal injury at the property, theft, natural disasters, government action affecting the property, or the actions of the Landlord beyond what is reasonable for us to verify in advance.
10. Changes to these terms
We may update these terms. Material changes are emailed to all active users 30 days before taking effect. Continued use after that constitutes acceptance. Archived versions of these terms are available on request.
Questions? Email legal@bestrent.asia. We reply within 5 business days.