Top 7 things that every tenant should know

Most of us at some point in our lives have lived in a rental property, whether alone or with friends/colleagues/family. Selecting and living in a rental property is not an easy task. We tend to overlook important things which often come back to haunt when the lease ends.
“Like any contract, rent agreement is also binding. A rental transaction is the tenants’ largest monthly transaction. Therefore, a s/he should be well-equipped with information when entering into a rental agreement,” says Marketing Head of Krish Group
Navigate the renting process with ease by following the below-mentioned tips:
1.  Thorough research of the locality and the rented property:The first task in the renting process is to check the safety quotient of the locality and its neighbouring areas. You can do so by speaking to residents of the locality. Also, check what safety measures the prospective landlord is providing. It is advisable to get all information incorporated in your lease document.
2.   Be prepared with documents: Accumulate all required documents such as identification, proof of employment and income, etc. before meeting the landlord. Having all documents handy can help in closing the deal fast. Usually, this helps when the prospective landlord has other tenant parties to choose from.

3.  A written lease: A written document is a proof of what you and your landlord mutually agree upon. A verbal agreement does not offer much protection to a tenant and landlord. Words cannot be used as proof in future but a documented can.

4.  Know what your lease says: Understanding the lease is very important for a tenant. It is wise to take the advice of an expert once all the points and clauses are documented. Make sure you check the lease and local tenant privacy laws. It helps you understand how and when your landlord can enter your property. If a landlord starts entering your apartment without notice, you'll know what your rights are. Apart from this, a tenant should know how to end the tenancy and what can happen if you don’t follow the rules. Understanding the lease documents also helps you know the rules about the return of the security deposit.
5.  Maintenance and fixes: A tenant should know which repairs your landlord is responsible for and which fixes he/she need to pay for. A landlord is required to provide a habitable environment, which means that the property that you are renting should be such where one can shift and live immediately. Adequate air ventilation, heat, water and electricity, and a safe structure are certain basic requirements. Landlords should also replace or repair things such as the walls, loose floor tiles that can trip residents before handing over the keys to the tenant. However, once tenant takes over, he will have pay for any breakage and repair.
6.  Keep communicating: It is good to be in touch with your landlord once a while. Keep communicating your concerns about the home like about the faulty wiring or no water issues so that it can be handled properly. Apart from this, a regular communication can help you build a bond/relationship with your landlord. If you have that, a landlord will understand you when sometimes you get late in paying the monthly rent.
7.  Know when to fight an eviction notice and when you should move out: There is no point fighting an eviction if you have not followed the rules mentioned in your rent agreement and your landlord has asked you to move out. You can attempt to set things right with your landlord, but if you can't, it is time to move on.  If you are legally in the right, a lawsuit still may not be your best bet. But you still have a chance to deal with your landlord.
Documents to be verified before renting
• Title Deed – Proof that the person renting or leasing out the premises is the actual owner of the place
• Building share certificates – In case the place being rented out is a part of a co-operative society or colony, share certificates needs to be checked
• Electricity bills – Should be in the owner’s name
• Verification of built-up area – You can either measure or use an architect for verification
• No-objection certificate (NOC) – A certificate that specifically mentions several conditions. For example, some do not allow bachelors or others such as `only vegetarians’ or ‘no pets’ need to be part of this document