Renting A Home? Here’s A List Of Things You Need To Check Before Finalising

Besides inspecting the physical condition of the property and understanding associated costs, one must also check any hidden costs, and verify ownership legality before renting

Renting a home comes with its own pros and cons, but it is definitely not easy to finalise a home these days with limited options and rents touching the sky-high. When considering renting a home, there is a list of items to check before making a decision, which will make the whole process less bumpy. 

Renting a home may appear straightforward initially, but overlooking crucial factors can make the process daunting. While paperwork in rentals might be overlooked, tenants face significant consequences if vital factors are missed. Besides inspecting the property, assessing the physical condition of the property and understanding associated costs; verifying ownership legality before renting are equally crucial.

One must not hurry in the process of finalising a home before the following necessary sanitary checks:

Physical Inspection

Prior to renting a flat, conducting a thorough physical inspection is crucial. Verify the condition of furniture, fixtures, plumbing, electrical, and sanitary fittings. It's essential for tenants to visit the flat, discuss any desired changes with the owner, and ensure alignment before moving in. This proactive approach helps prevent potential confusion between the parties down the line.

Enquire About All Charges And Clauses

Disputes over clauses in annual and monthly maintenance agreements can arise between landlords and tenants. Therefore, it's essential for tenants to fully understand the terms and conditions before renting a flat. While routine maintenance tasks like water taps and electrical wiring are not immediate concerns, issues like significant interior or exterior repairs and wall painting can lead to disagreements. Hence, it's crucial to address these matters promptly.

Amenities In Society 

It is essential that you ask the owner to disclose all incurred and pending charges for services available to the tenant. Overlooking details such as additional parking allocation, conditional club access, swimming pool usage fees, door-to-door service charges, and Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) fees can lead to unexpected expenses later.

Lease Agreement:

The lease agreement between the tenant and owner should explicitly state the minimum lock-in period, which denotes the minimum duration of stay, whether six months, one year, or three years. Typically, this lock-in period is set at one year. Additionally, the terms regarding the notice period upon vacating the flat, any increase in the rent, adjustments of the security deposit, and electricity bill payments should be clearly outlined. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully review the lease agreement and address any uncertainties before moving into the property.