you can go to IRAS and check on the Stamp duty matter.The stamp duty is a common practice for a tenancy agreement in Singapore. Usually the tenants pay for it. There is a calculation formula on the IRAS website. The amount depends on the rental and the duration of the contract. But it seems you only need pay around 100 dollars. http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page04.aspx?id=8568 It would be better to have a deed with your landlord. A sample (standard) tenancy agreement can be downloaded from HDB website.