Now that you’ve moved and are about to start your life as a real adult renting a flat, you have a challenge at hand. You have looked at online listings, checked out the flat in person and you’re one step away from sealing the deal. You just need to ensure that this house for rent in HSR Layout is really the one for you. Are there any hidden costs that you’ll have to incur? What is the culture of the building like? What should you expect from life in your new home? All those questions must be running through your mind. And the perfect person to ask those questions to is your landlord. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of essential questions that you should definitely ask before renting a flat. Check it out.

When and how is the rent due? How often does it increase?

The most basic question to ask your landlord is about the amount, mode of payment and deadline for paying rent each month. Usually, you should settle on a date that is mutually agreeable to both of you, with a 7-10 grace period if required. Ask your landlord about the preferred mode of payment as well, whether it’s through online transfer or cheque. These are a lot safer than cash transactions. Your rent shouldn’t undergo any sudden increases within the first year itself, but it is normal to expect a 5-10% increment after the first year, so clarify that if you’re planning to rent long term.

What amenities does the flat include?

Your landlord will be able to tell you about the facilities that the flat comes with, whether that’s a gas pipeline and cable connection or building facilities like a gym, pool, or clubhouse that you can use. Make sure you ask after the rules and timings of these facilities, as well as whether you have to incur any additional charges for them.

Does the flat include a parking space?

In most cases, if your landlord owns a parking space along with their apartment, you should be entitled to use it as part of your tenancy. But you should clarify the availability of a space, as well as if you’re expected to pay for it, before moving in, especially if you have a large vehicle or if the building does not have a lot of parking facilities.

How safe is the building?

Your landlord should be able to tell you about the demographics of people who live in the building. They should also inform you about the safety facilities, whether there is a guard on duty, if the building has CCTV surveillance etc. You can also ask them about the neighbourhood in general as this will add to your impression of the building.

Are there any restrictions on guests or visitors?

If you’re a single person looking at apartments in Marathahalli, there is a chance that your landlord might impose some restrictions on the guests you’re allowed to have. This might be based on gender, overnight stays, or timings of visits. Make sure you clarify all these in advance to avoid trouble later.

When will you get back your security deposit after vacating?

The security deposit that you pay at the time of moving in should be refunded to you in full, provided you haven’t caused any damage to the flat. However, your landlord might want some time after you move out to inspect the flat and then return the deposit. Whatever the case may be, make sure it is included in your rental agreement so that you have clarity on when to expect your deposit back.

What changes can you make to the flat?

Since it’s a rented accommodation, any major or permanent changes that you want to make to the interiors will require your landlord’s permission. We’re not talking about putting up a few pictures or moving some furniture around, but if you want to install a window a.c. when the house doesn’t have the set up or drill through the walls, you might need to get your landlord’s approval beforehand.

How old is the building?

This is one of the most important questions for you to ask your landlord, and yet it’s one of the most easily overlooked. The age of the building will determine a lot including what wear and tear you should expect, how often your flat will require maintenance, as well as the efficiency of common building features like the elevator. If the building is old, you also have a higher probability of running into problems like damp walls and broken fixtures so keep an eye out for those issues. If the property is connected to a septic tank, you may also encounter issues that could be resolved through septic tank pumping. It is best to schedule a regular septic tank inspection to determine if it needs septic tank pumping or cleaning to prevent costly damage.

Are the existing utility bills paid?

You are only liable to pay for utilities that you use from the day you move in. But if your flat had older tenants or was unoccupied for a while, there’s a chance that those charges may get added to your monthly bill. Make sure that you clarify this fact with your landlord and ensure that any outstanding bills are cleared before you move in.

Will the landlord repaint the house before moving in?

Before you move into the flat, your landlord should be responsible for cleaning up the place, repainting it and handling any repair work that is required. They should know a trustworthy plumber, roofer, and other contractors for emergency repairs.

If you’d noticed any issues like water damage in the house during your site visit, make sure you bring those up specifically when you’re clarifying this so that nothing gets overlooked and you can move into a well-maintained flat. You can check out immediately A&E NYC Plumbing | AENYC to opt with your plumbing concerns.

Water damage can spread quickly and cause extensive damage to your home or office, so it’s important to get professional restoration help as soon as possible. Waiting too long to get help can make the problem worse and lead to even more costly repairs. The benefits of getting water damage restoration is explained further here.

What is the penalty for breaking your rental agreement?

Before you move into your new home, you’re going to sign a rental agreement — whether on a paper or electronic lease signing software — which will include all the responsibilities and expectations for both you and your landlord. You will probably be responsible for any damage to the flat, while your landlord should be responsible for any maintenance that is required. If there’s significant damage and you need help to get a claim, commercial property insurance adjusters can help. And if you break your lease before the deadline, you might have to forfeit a part of your deposit or pay one month’s rent as notice. So, make sure that you and your landlord are clear on all these details before you sign.

Make sure that you’re vigilant and clarify any other doubts or questions that you may have with your landlord before you sign a rental agreement. This list should help you get some more clarity on what to expect from your flat and help you make an informed decision.