Singapore rental deposit dispute: does CEA decide whether the landlord must refund it?

Usually no. CEA says disputes about rental deposits, repair/replacement costs and other private contractual issues between landlords and tenants generally fall outside CEA’s enforcement role unless the dispute is about estate-agency work. Tenants should first check the tenancy agreement, payment records, condition evidence and communications, and try to resolve the issue directly. Official sources: CEA and HDB tenancy guidance. Guide: https://getinstantlaw.com/sg/topics/landlord-tenant