Do take note of these measures before you pen your signature!!!
You have to verify:
- It is of utmost importance that you are dealing with the rightful owner/landlord. To confirm this, you can ask for a conservancy bill (from home owners)
- Sign a tenancy (rental) agreement. This agreement should be established between the owner and tenant. It is of paramount importance to ensure that the agreement states the obligations between the tenant and the landlord for the fixed term agreed. The tenancy agreement is established with the purpose of ensuring the utilities are properly installed and are in working condition. It is a common practice that if the tenant is renting the entire apartment/flat, the application and payment of water, electricity and gas (Utilities) are to be done by the tenant.
You have to also ensure that:
- The inventory list (items within the property that would be entitled for the tenant’s use) within the tenancy agreement is satisfactorily met and inspected (you may like to take pictures for evidence). Clarify with your landlord whether the use of common household facilities like the kitchen, TV, etc. is allowed.
- Find out if you have to share the room with any other person(s) at any time during the rental period.
- Do not sign anything unless you have fully understood the terms and conditions of the agreement and settled any uncertain terms with the landlord. If you are unsure of anything, please contact us. Do not be pressured to sign the rental agreement.
- Only those over 21 years of age can sign the tenancy agreement. If you are under 21, a guardian or guarantor/sponsor will have to sign the tenancy agreement together with you.
In the event that everything is in order
- It is a common practice for the tenant to pay a security deposit equivalent to a month’s rental, together with the first month’s rental upfront. Be wary of contract that requires upfront payments exceeding this amount. Subsequent rental payments are usually done on a monthly basis. The security deposit is refundable at the end of the contract period, provided there is no damage to the property. The cost of any damage caused by the tenant will be deducted from the security deposit when it is released. In some cases, the security deposit may also not be refunded if the tenant does not give sufficient notice to the landlord about moving out before the expiry of the contract.
- Ensure that you hand your rental fees directly to the landlord/owner to avoid possible misunderstandings or mishandling. It is best to pay your rental using cheque payable to the owner’s name. Obtain receipts for everything you pay for, including the security deposit and monthly rental fees. Also, please keep a copy of the tenancy agreement for your own record.
- If you have valuable personal items, you may like to take up a personal housing insurance.
