Some things to keep in mind while renting a house/apartment

We've moved enough times for me to be able to write a thesis on renting an apartment. And, what's more, we experienced it in the mother of all cities, Mumbai. So I can safely say that I'm a qualified writer-about-relocation. Anyway, each time, we learn something new, and ensure that it's done right the next time around. While finding a house on rent in Tuticorin has been drastically different from the same activity in Mumbai, I can say with some confidence, that some basics don't change. In most Indian cities, the middle man or the broker, or agent does exist. So it's only a lucky few who get away without dealing with a broker and finding a house through someone they know.

I've taken it that you know which locality you want to look in, in terms of distance from your workplace, children's schools, budget for the rent, etc.

Here are a few tips to help you find the house you want :

Communicate your requirements very clearly : One of the most common traps we all fall into, is the ASSUME trap. Well, you know what they say - it makes an ass of you and me. Let the broker, or whoever else you're dealing with know what exactly you need. Unless you tell him you need parking space for TWO cars, you will wander around aimlessly and see five houses with space for one or no car. This applies to small, yet significant things like direction the house faces (if you believe in that), car park, top floor or middle floor - what's your preference, do you need cupboards that are already installed in the walls, etc. Some places have a policies regarding pets. So, check that too, if you have pets. Save yourself the time and energy and state your requirements clearly the first time.

Now how do you decide what your requirements are? While some things are the same irrespective of where you're staying, such as parking space, a lot of things vary with the city and the locality that you're going to be in.

Top floor or middle floor ? Well this certainly depends on several factors. If you're in a city like Mumbai where most of the houses you are shown are of old construction, and will certainly have cracks in the ceiling and walls, you may want to skip the top floors simply because monsoon presents a host of problems, especially on the west and north western sides. Seepage, (we've even had dripping ceilings), fungus on the walls, and constant stale odour are some of them.
If you're lucky enough to check out one of the new state of the art type constructions, you may not face this issue. So take a call once you know the approximate age of the building.

Furnishing - A lot of people these days are on the move, thanks to new job opportunities in different parts of the country or outside. It becomes a lot easier when you don't have too much furniture of your own. Several home owners in bigger cities have furnished or semi-furnished houses to let out, so depending on what you need, you can take your pick. Fully furnished houses often come with the whole package - Air conditioners, Sofa sets, dining table set, Television, Cots, Mattresses, Refrigerators, kitchen cabinets etc. Semi furnished houses are those that perhaps just have the basic requirements such as kitchen cabinets, and maybe sometimes built in wall cupboards in the bedrooms, i.e. nothing extra has been installed.
So if you know you're going to be moving soon, and don't want to hoard too much stuff, a furnished or semi furnished apartment is ideal for you.
However, what I've noticed in a smaller town is that even small things like doors on kitchen shelves cannot be taken for granted, and is considered "an extra". "Cupboards" in the kitchen and bedrooms are nothing but shelves made in the wall itself, which are open. If you're OK with it being as is, then it's fine, otherwise you'll have to either strike a deal with the landlord to get the doors done, or do it yourself.

Electrical work - Many a time, we just assume that we can buy an appliance, plug it in and it will magically work. However, don't forget that some groundwork will need to be done for things like an air conditioner. Check if there are provisions made for it, like the hole drilled for a split AC, or a provision for a window AC. In a place like Tuticorin where power cuts are as well known to us as family, and for that matter in most parts of Tamil Nadu, it is important to check if there is a connection drawn for an Inverter. Also, make sure that before you rent a place, you mentally draw up a picture of where you will place what appliance, at least approximately. For instance, you may not have the space to keep your Microwave oven and your Mixer on the same platform, and you may need to add a bracket to place on of them. And also check there are enough electrical points to connect all these appliances. While this may seem trivial, it is always better to sort these things out before you move in.

I'll add in a quick note about plumbing too - provisions for washing machines, water purifiers etc are little things you need to watch out for.

Internet and phone connectivity - Of course, it is true that these days the internet reaches places that even God doesn't. But it helps to do a quick check of what providers service the locality, and how good they are. For digital TV connections, you may have a common antenna already present in the building, and you won't have to buy another one. If there isn't one, you can make sure you ask your DTH provider for a separate antenna.

Neighborhood - This actually encompasses a whole range of stuff. It's not always possible to find perfect neighbors, and you never know until you move in anyway. So if you're considering renting a place, do make the effort to find out who your neighbors will be, and perhaps have a quick chat with them about what they think of the complex, and where the shops are, etc. You get the drift, right?
Are there stores selling the basic everyday requirements within a five or ten minute walk?
Another thing we've found extremely useful, although it is not always possible, is to evaluate your prospective house and neighborhood after a rainy day. You'll see whether the roads get water-logger, or whether there's seepage, etc. Like I said, this evaluation is not always possible, but if it is, then definitely do it.

Legal aspect - In bigger cities, a "Leave and License Agreement" is always drafted and has to be registered legally. So while drafting it, ensure you agree on all the clauses with the landlord before you sign anything and register. It is important to read every single line very carefully (the broker will insist that it's just a "standard agreement" and rush you to sign it, but don't fall for that), and only then sign it. In smaller towns, they don't have a registration process, but at least make sure you have an agreement drafted with the appropriate paper with stamp duty, and signed by both parties.
Taking these precautions just help you avoid any misunderstanding and trouble later on.


So you've now read about some points you can keep in mind while evaluating a house you want to rent. This list is by no means comprehensive, and you may come across some new things when you're looking out. But it'll get you started, and as we go along, I'll add more things that I encounter.
Above all, trust your instinct. If you don't get a good vibe about a place, or a person, remember you're probably right.  So good luck !