Watch out for these points in your agreement

Nowadays, we all know that the property rates are very high. So, we can't always buy flats and rooms anywhere we go just for a short time period. For example; if you are a student and your college is situated in some other city where you can't even opt for travelling daily. At this point of time, you need to look for flats for rent and stay as a paying guest or you can live in hostels. But you cannot just blindly rent a random house; you need to keep a few things in mind. Here are a few tips that can help you:

1. Check the receipt of the security deposit

A security deposit is a must. Almost every landlord will ask for it. But it is also a matter of contention when it comes to refunding it. Make sure that you receive a receipt for your security deposit.

2. Is the room furnished?

You should make sure whether you are signing up for a furnished or an unfurnished apartment. At times you are shown a furnished room but it turns out that it belongs to the current roommate. As we all know furniture serves basic purposes and is needed for sitting, sleeping, storing stuff and beyond these basic requirements, well furnished apartment makes us feel more organized and welcoming always. So, in order to live comfortably you need to ask your landlord if the room is well furnished or do you have to shift your own furniture?

3. Are there any house rules?

Some of the landlords are even some existing flatmates have their own rules about chores and other matters. You must always make yourself aware of these rules and obligations and see to it if you can adjust with them or not. It is always better to get to know things before making any commitments. Not doing this can lead to personal issues in the future.

4. How does the agreement end?

The period of leasing of the tenant is called ' termination'.  In different states and territories, landlord and tenants can terminate for different reasons. Generally, in the shared accommodations, the rule is that if the agreement between the head tenant and the landlord is terminated then the agreement made between the sub tenant and head tenant will also be terminated. So, here termination can be a point to be kept in mind at the time of release. Like this many rules can be made by your landlord that you need to be aware of.

5. Hidden clauses

Check the agreement carefully and read between the lines. Are there any hidden clauses? For e.g. it could be the exclusion of certain charges that the landlord has to bear normally or it could be something to do with the return of security deposit. Check all the points carefully before signing on the dotted line.

Keep the above tips in mind so that you can concentrate on your studies well and enjoy a comfortable stay away from home. Furthermore, if you need any assistance concerning rental flats or roommates in Pune, log on to www.flatsandmates.com

5 things to keep in mind to avoid losing security deposit

Documentation is the most crucial part whether you are opting to buy a property or lease it as a tenant or a landlord. Following are some necessary steps you should take to make sure you get back your full security deposit when you invest in a rental flat. 

Even though you have known your landlord for months or years, and formed a relationship. But when a security deposit is involved, landlord-tenant relationship will take a turnaround even if you have exchange friendly words and maintained a healthy relationship. Particularly when tenants have kept their place neat and clean they expect their deposit back.

Though there are cunning landlords who try to siphon off the security deposit either entirely or in part, not all subtractions are unfair. While withholding the security deposit is a crime, the renter also needs to be alert as to not do any such thing that'll give an opportunity to the landlord to forfeit the deposit wholly or partly. Following are some necessary steps you should take to make sure you get back your full security deposit: 

1. Fill out an apartment rental inspection checklist

Landlord will provide you with move in checklist, fill in the details. Before you unpack you boxes make sure that everything is working and noting if there are any problems or fault, better click picture and take video of your apartment. Better pay keen attention to everything that looks less than a stellar. By this way, your landlord won`t be able to cause you any damage. After filling the checklist, make sure that you keep the signed and dated copy with your landlord and yourself as well.

2. Take pictures the day you move out

Click pictures of every room and email them to your landlord, if you cannot email them or think it is not necessary it is totally okay. If later any problem occur and you need to prove don`t worry as many digital images have time-stamp data included in the file hence you can show them date and time they were taken. In that way, after you move out your landlord cannot blame you for something you did not do.

3. Read your lease carefully

Read your lease carefully so that it will tell you if you need to give the notice before you leave the apartment and how much time is required. Most probably some lease have an end date so that you can simply move out or before that day. But some leases extends automatically, if it does you will need to give notice, if you don`t you will be at risk of losing the security deposit. Before you plan to move out, you will have to give written 30 days notice before you leave, if you are on month–to-month lease.

4     4. Understand how landlord-tenant laws apply to you 

All the local laws and statutes should be accepted by landlords. Tenants should check and understand all the laws in their city or country and also state laws for security deposit. And before the move out date, give a written letter to the landlord reminding them about the law two to three months earlier. So that the landlord will know that you want your full security deposit back.

5. Do not keep any dues pending

Pay all the pending dues whether it is of water, electricity, maid, telephone, gas, etc. If you have broken something, either make sure that you have it fixed or replaced. Do not try to cheat as that would be a sure way of losing your deposit.

For exploring more on studio apartments or rooms for rent, log on to: www.flatsandmates.com