Things You Should Know Before You Rent A House
Renting a house has become simpler in the
recent times. You can easily do it online. You can search by area, amenities,
rent, etc. within the comfort of your home and avoid paying the brokerage fee.
But this also means, you may not be all that well-versed with the nuances that
go into renting a house. So, here are a few things you should know before you
rent a house.
Cost of Living
You’re not just renting a house, you’re
living in a city. Whether you’ve already been living here or moving here,
renting is an added integral expense you will incur every single month. So,
knowing the exact cost of living of a place will give you an idea of which
neighbourhood you should rent the place. For example, the cost of living in
Mumbai is way higher than Pune. So, the same house for rent in Mumbai will cost a lot more
than what it’ll cost you to rent a house in Pune.
Research the Area
You’re not just renting an apartment in an
area. You’re going to be living there. So, is the neighbourhood aligned with
your interests? For example, if you’re a foodie, are there good restaurants in the
area or even a neighbouring area? Or if you love peace and quiet, are there any
clubs/pubs/bars in the area that play loud music beyond your bedtime? It is
important to pick an area that will not disturb your personal space.
Bachelors vs Families
Many home owners in India do not rent
houses to bachelors, they prefer families. So, when getting in contact with any
prospective home owners, be clear about your living situation. If they are ok
with bachelors staying alone or with roommates, they may have some rules about
smoking, inviting guests over, etc. Make sure you discuss any such adjustments
before making your decision.
Appliances that Come with the House
Many a times when you’re viewing a house, you may find a washing machine or an oven inside in the house. These are not necessarily part of what the landlord is offering their tenant. Sometimes appliances are kept in specific parts of the house to show prospective tenents what the space is to be used for. So, make sure you have a clear conversation with the owner to know what exactly the rent covers.
Ask about Rent Increases
The rent that you pay in the beginning will
not always be the rent for the house. Home owners periodically increase the
rent (usually every year) by a certain percentage to accommodate for inflation.
Before signing the contract make sure you ask questions about it. Ask when they
propose to increase the rent and how much so there are no surprises after you
move in. Ask to include this as a clause in the rental agreement as well. This
will make it illegal for them to change the terms of rent increase in the
future.
Renting a house can be tiresome and
exhausting, but with sufficient research and clarifying any and all questions
before moving in will make the process of moving much smoother.
