Office move-out and handover checklist
Moving out of an office in Singapore means more than packing. This checklist runs from 12 weeks out to the deposit refund, so nothing holds up the handover.
Updated 26 October 2026
In short: Start an office move-out about 12 weeks before the handover date: give notice, confirm the reinstatement scope, book surveys and permits, clear IT and furniture, reinstate, attend the joint inspection, then update ACRA within 14 days if your registered address changes and follow up on the deposit.
In this guide
12 weeks before handover
- Read the lease: notice period, reinstatement clause, handover date and deposit terms.
- Give written notice to the landlord as the lease requires.
- Ask the landlord for the handover checklist and the original floor plan.
- Ask whether the landlord or incoming tenant wants to keep any fit-out items, and get it in writing.
8 weeks before
- Book reinstatement site surveys and compare itemised quotations. See bare shell vs original condition so quotes match the lease.
- Check building management’s rules: works permits, insurance, after-hours works, loading bay bookings.
- Plan IT: server and network decommissioning, data wiping, equipment moves.
- Arrange furniture: relocate, sell, donate or dispose.
4 weeks before
- Confirm the reinstatement schedule, planned back from the handover date.
- Submit the works permit and method statement to building management.
- Give notice to end utilities, internet and phone lines, cleaning and security contracts.
- Arrange mail redirection and update the address on invoices, website and Google Business Profile.
Moving week
- Move people, IT and furniture out so reinstatement can start on time.
- Photograph the unit before works start.
- Return access cards, keys and parking passes when the landlord asks.
Reinstatement and handover
- Works run to the agreed scope; check progress against the landlord’s checklist.
- Walk the unit with the contractor before the joint inspection.
- Attend the joint inspection; get remarks fixed on the spot where possible.
- Get the handover acknowledged in writing.
After handover
- Update your registered office address with ACRA if the company’s registered address changes. Companies must notify ACRA within 14 days.
- Follow up on the security deposit refund under the lease terms.
- Keep the handover documents and photos.
Common reasons deposits get deducted
- Leftover cabling, brackets or anchor bolts on walls and slab
- Carpet adhesive left on the floor
- Ceiling tiles missing, stained or uneven
- Walls patched but not painted in the building’s standard colour
- Debris or rubbish left in the unit or common areas
For the reinstatement part of the move, see office reinstatement and the cost guide.
Who usually handles what
| Task | Usually handled by |
|---|---|
| Notice and lease questions | Tenant (with the property agent) |
| Reinstatement scope, permit documents and works | Reinstatement contractor |
| Building works permit approval | Building management |
| IT decommissioning and data wiping | IT team or vendor |
| Joint inspection | Landlord, tenant and contractor |
| ACRA registered address update | Company secretary |
Address changes are filed with ACRA.
Most of the work on that list is removal. For the biggest items, see office partition wall removal, office carpet removal and vinyl flooring removal. Still comparing quotes? Read how to choose a reinstatement contractor.
Related guides
Need help with this?
We handle office reinstatement across Singapore, with a free site survey and an itemised quotation. See office reinstatement, or WhatsApp us photos of the unit.
Get a price for your unit
Send photos, the floor plan and your handover date. Site surveys are free and every quotation is itemised.
Questions we get asked
Can’t see yours? Send it on WhatsApp with a photo of the unit.
When should I start planning an office move-out?
About 12 weeks before the handover date, so there’s time for notice, surveys, permits and reinstatement.
Do I need to update ACRA when I move office?
If your company’s registered office address changes, you must notify ACRA within 14 days.
What do landlords check at office handover?
Ceilings, floors, walls, lighting, air-conditioning and sprinklers against the lease requirement, plus leftover cabling and debris.
How do I get my office deposit back faster?
Reinstate to the lease requirement before the handover date, attend the joint inspection, close out all remarks and get the handover acknowledged in writing.
Want a price for your unit?
We’ll reply with an initial estimate and a time for a free site survey.