Tips on finalizing a rental accomodation

Are you looking for a house on rent? With my experience of changing 9 houses in 14 years I have come up with the following checklist which may be of some use to someone.

 Always contact house owners through news paper advertisements. You will save on paying a month’s rent as brokerage. Instead of paying brokerage you can use the amount to buy curtains, mosquito mesh, missing curtain rods etc.

 Always check out a house in day light. If you finalize a deal after inspecting a house during late evenings, you may later find the neighborhood/approach not good, no source of sunlight in rooms, and other things that you may have assumed to be acceptable on talking to the owner.

 Check if there’s a market close by which has most things you might need for day to day usage.

 Ensure you check the following, and don’t feel embarrassed to carry out the checks in front of the owner.

-All rods for using curtains are available.

-There are no cracked window panes.

-Doors close easily; latches are intact; no repairs required.

-All taps are functional and don’t require repairs.

-You have access to the motor switch.

-If there’s water storage provision – sump.

-All electric points are functional – fans, tubes, bulbs, power points – whether or not they are in convenient places where you plan to keep your fridge/TV/washing machine etc.

-If ceiling fans are missing ask the owner to install in all rooms. You may not want to invest on fans as in the next accommodation you move to may already have those installed.

-Check the toilets to see if you will be comfortable using them – some people decide on taking a house only if the toilets are okay.

-Check if you can install a window AC or if you have a split AC, will they allow you to drill a hole in the wall – and that will cost you – to drill, and later fill the hole.

-Check for a separate meter. Take meter reading. In case you move in the house, on the first day observe the units consumed – common pump/compound lights’ usage should not be reflecting in your bill.

-Ask the owner to put mosquito mesh in the windows.

-If possible, the front/back doors should have an additional iron door. Especially if you stay in a less inhabited area.

-Ensure you don’t have to pay any maintenance charges every month.

 Before moving in, or paying the advance, heck with the owner if he will not deduct any amount for painting the house when you leave.

 Always haggle to pay minimum amount as security. Most owners say they will return the amount once they find another tenant.

 Always pay your rent by cheque.

 In case your lease is getting over, promptly get it renewed.

 If you are paying a higher rent, check how much and how frequently the owner plans to revise the rent.

 If you have a vehicle, check if parking is available – inside/outside the house.

 Be friendly yet reserved with your house owner.

 If you smoke, light a cigarette in front of him so that he has no such expectations that you will respect him and not smoke in front of him/family.

 Always pay your rent on time. Inform him in advance if there’s going to be a delay.

 Ensure he/she doesn’t charges you for auto fare if he/she comes to pick up the payment – it’s true – there are people like that.

 If you are a teacher and the owner’s kid is a student, don’t agree to coach the kid.

 Check if you will have access to the terrace, also asks the owner about the wash line.

 Check if there are any restrictions – not opening a certain window; being back home by a certain time; not entertaining friends; no smoking/drinking/playing music etc.