If buying an apartment is not an option, then probably leasing it is the best option available. Finding a rented apartment can be a daunting task, however, there are certain things that should be considered before signing on the leased documents.

Before deciding to rent, it is important to know what you want. For renting a house or apartment or flat for rent in any Indian metropolitan city like Mumbai, Pune and hyderabad the rent would be lesser, therefore its best to focus the search according your budget. However, be prepared that there may be some compromise involved when finding bigger apartments in better area. If the budget is limited then you can try also shared apartments, but ensure to know what kinds of roommates or habits they have.

All prospective tenants would look for certain features in a rented home, like 24/7 Water, ventilation, geyser, power backup, paint, parking, clinic, food market, school/colleges, separate electric and water bill, etc. Whenever the place suits your budget and all the other requirements are fulfilled, the place can be booked. Most of the people go for a visual inspection and are satisfied, and these people don’t see anything wrong as they assume nothing is wrong. It is only after moving that you will become aware of the hidden problems.

Some of the major problems that most tenants encounter are electrical, plumbing, air conditioning or even leaking roof. Most of the times, the tenants have already paid for 1 bhk flat on rent in Pune before you realize that things are not as functional as they seemed to be. Therefore, a word of advice, never sign a lease or put a deposit amount for any apartment or rented place before seeing the exact place that is to be rented. Some brokers are smarter and may show you just a model apartment, therefore, ensure to see the place where you would be staying for it may be completely different from the model one. When inspecting, ensure that the place doesn’t smell bad, for it would mean mildew caused because of roof or plumbing leaks. If the apartment is furnished, ensure that everything works even the water faucets and the geysers do not over heat. The air conditioning should also be working. Check out for insects and rodents and if the flooring is carpeted ensure to look carefully at it. The windows and doors should also be checked and seen that it properly locks.

Even if booking an apartment or flat on rent in cosmopolitan cities, carry a pen and paper and make a list of everything that is damaged or needs repair. The copy of the same should be carried to the landlord and all the items should be repaired. The copy list should also be kept with yourself so that once can check if the items has been done. If possible get the promise in writing, or better yet sign the lease document once the house has been repaired to your satisfaction.

Once all of these has been done, it is also advisable to check out the landlord before any agreement. The best way to do so is to approach the tenant association or the consumer protection and find out whether there has been any complaints against the landlord by previous tenants.