Things you should know before you rent a house

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Understand the total cost beforehand

When you rent a house, the monthly rent is not the only cost. You have to take care of the security deposit, charges for maintenance, parking, brokerage, and utilities. Deposits in many cities range from one to three months, though some landlords may ask for more. Clearly explaining every charge will prevent unexpected payments later on and will help you get a real picture of your actual monthly outflow.

Check the condition of the property carefully

Before taking over, inspect the house in great detail. Check the electrical fittings, plumbing, water pressure, paint, doors, windows, appliances, and furnishings that will be included. If something is damaged or not working, ask the landlord to put it down in writing or fix it before you move in. This helps avoid disputes at the time of vacating, especially when recovering your deposit.

Review the lease agreement clause by clause

A written rental agreement is in the interest of both tenant and landlord, so do not skip reading it fully. Look out for the tenure, rent amount, escalation terms, notice period, deposit, maintenance responsibilities, and house rules. If the agreement is for 12 months or more, then this often needs to be registered, depending upon state rules. An unregistered agreement can make it more difficult to enforce your rights in case of a dispute, so it is better to ensure that all documentation is proper.

Know your rights and responsibilities

Tenants have the right to peaceful possession of the property, while landlords are entitled to timely payment and proper upkeep. Specify who is responsible for maintenance, how often the rent may be increased, and what happens if either party wishes to terminate the agreement prematurely. Doing so will avoid misunderstandings and will keep the working relationship frictionless throughout the tenancy.

Confirm the safety and basic services

Before selecting a house, ensure the safety of the neighbourhood, lighting, security arrangements, accessibility to grocery stores, hospitals, public transport and schools. Inside the building, there should be a functional water supply, elevator service if applicable, waste management and reliable electricity. Safety and convenience often matter as much as the rent.

Verify the landlord and building policies

Every landlord and housing society has their own policies regarding guests, pets, renovations, parking, and delivery access. It is best to understand these in advance so that your lifestyle is not restricted after moving in. Also, confirm whom to contact for repairs and whether the landlord allows minor improvements such as adding shelves or painting a room.

Plan for rent increases and renewal

Most agreements include the annual increase in rent, usually ranging from 5-10 percent. Seek this out while signing the agreement so you can make further plans for your spending. Also check whether the landlord is open to renewing the lease after the end of the term. A clear understanding of renewal terms helps you avoid sudden relocation stress and unexpected negotiations later.

Final word

Knowing what to expect largely simplifies the process of renting a home: from checking the property and reading the agreement to confirmation of costs and understanding your rights. You can avoid some very common mistakes and settle into a home that fits your needs comfortably.