Congratulations! You finally found your dream apartment. You’re now ready to move in and start anew in your new found crib.
But wait! Take a pause because there are some things that you should settle first before moving in. Remember that renting a property can be hard, since you do not own the property and you still have to appease with the rules that the landlord is going to give you. Make sure to ask the questions below before you sign that lease agreement.
1. How do I pay the rent?
The first thing that you have to ask the landlord before signing that lease is the mode of payment. Is through a check or bank transfer? Or through cash? Of course, you should also ask your landlord the specific date of payment so you would know.
2. Which utilities are under my care?
Some rentals include utilities like water and electricity to the whole payment. Others don’t, which means that you have to pay for the utilities yourself. It’s important to clear out the issue of utilities with your landlord to avoid confusion.
3. Can I make changes to the apartment?
Some landlords don’t care whatever you do with the property. Some would kill if you put a single poster on the wall. Ask your landlord if you can re-design the apartment for your own peace of mind. Double check the landlord’s policy before you make any changes.
4. What is the guest policy?
Again, landlords vary from one another. There are times when a landlord would go berserk when you bring a visitor in the middle of the night. It’s not because bringing a guest annoys them; it’s mostly because of security issues. Ask your landlord when is the time that you can bring a guest? You should also ask if it’s ok if a friend can come over and spend the night.
5. Are pets allowed?
We shouldn’t forget our furry little friends right? Ask the landlord upfront if they allow pets. If this is a deal breaker for you, then you probably shouldn’t sign that lease. If your landlord allows pets, you should expect a pet deposit added to the fees that you have to pay.
6. What happens when there’s a maintenance problem?
Ask how the landlord would want you to report a maintenance emergency. Know how quickly they respond so that you would know if you have to call your own trusty repairman.
7. What would it take to break the lease?
Expect the unexpected. What if suddenly you have to relocate to another place? What would it take to break the lease that you just signed? Before signing, find out the penalties that you will face if you did break the lease. Do not rely on verbal agreement; write everything down and sign it with your landlord. Breaking the lease is an excruciating matter that you should take seriously.
8. Can you document any current damage in the apartment?
Your security deposit is very important. At the end of your lease, you have to make sure that you get some of that money, especially if you didn’t do any damage to the apartment. Your landlord may put damages that are already in the property in your security deposit. Make sure that you have a written document that lists down the damages that’s already in the apartment before you sign the lease.
9. Can you add this or change that?
Tell your landlord your requests. If you want something to be fixed or to be done then you should tell this to your landlord before signing the lease. What if you already signed the lease and the cockroach that you saw the first time you visit is still there? What a nightmare!
10. What are the reasons why you wouldn’t refund my security deposit?
Some landlords are super sensitive that a simple wear and tear will cause the renter their security deposit. Find out what circumstances in which you would not get your security deposit back so that you can easily avoid them. Familiarize yourself with the Philippine tenancy laws so are armed whenever you’re talking business with your landlord.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. After all, a good relationship with your future landlord starts with good and open communication. Have a one on one with your landlord before sealing the deal.
Image source: http://www.persquare.com.ph/for-rent/condominium-ncr-metro-manila-makati/fully-furnished-2-bedrooms-condo-unit-in-one-rockwell-makati-city_111972 – Lemon Tree Real Estate