The Most Important Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Rental Flat in Gurgaon
Once you’ve moved to Gurgaon, your priority has to be finding a great place to live in the city. You’ve made up your mind that you want a fully furnished flat for rent in Gurgaon, but beyond that you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for. You’ve browsed through several tons of online listings, shortlisting some of your favourite flats and you’re finally ready to check them out in person. But how will you really know which apartment is the one for you? And what should you be looking out for? Is there anything that you should clarify with the landlord or broker? Well, we can help you out with these questions and more. Because choosing a flat is all about ensuring that you have as much information as possible. And we’ve got some simple questions for you to ask to do just that. So, make sure you head for your next site visit with these questions in your arsenal in order to choose the best flat. Check them out!
What is the neighbourhood like?
When you’re choosing to live in a flat, you’re not in complete isolation. Your flat is located in a building which is situated in a neighbourhood. It’s important for you to know the culture and safety of these larger factors. If your building is right by a major road or in a loud neighbourhood, you might get a lot of noise in your apartment. And if the area is not well-lit, you might feel unsafe in your neighbourhood. Find out about the safety protocols of your building as well. Can anyone just walk in or is there a watchman at the security desk? Is there proper CCTV monitoring of common areas? All of these will help you feel a lot more comfortable about living in a flat in a new city.
Which utilities are included in the rent?
When you’re opting for a fully furnished flat for rent in Gurgaon, you might not have to undergo a lot of hassle in terms of setting up utilities like gas, internet etc. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have to pay for them. Check with your landlord about which utilities (if any) are included in the rent amount and which ones you’re expected to pay separately. Remember that all these living costs add up, so if you can afford the rent but not the utility costs, the apartment is probably too pricey for your budget.
Can I make changes to my flat?
One of the major issues with rental living is that you don’t often have too much creative freedom. Your landlord might not want you to make major changes like painting the walls or drilling holes in every room. But at the same time, they might be okay with minor or easily reversible changes like moving the furniture into a different layout. Whatever the case may be, make sure you clarify this with your landlord right at the beginning. The last thing you want is to accidentally break a clause of your lease and have to forfeit your security deposit.
How old is the building?
This is probably not something that you will prioritise in general, but it’s important for you to know how old a building is before you choose an apartment in it. If a building is old and not properly maintained, you can expect quite a few issues, especially from old electrical fittings, damp walls and even pests. It might even be not up to fire security standards. It’s important for you to have all the information about the building before you choose a flat in it.
What’s the penalty for breaking the lease?
Life is uncertain. Just like you’ve left home and moved to Gurgaon, you might be required to leave Gurgaon and head to another city. So, it’s always best to be prepared with what to expect in case that happens. Ask your landlord about the penalties for breaking the lease. In general, a month’s notice and forfeiting the equivalent rent usually suffices. But if your landlord also says he won’t return the security deposit, you might want to choose a better deal. No matter what the arrangement is, make sure that it’s clearly stated in the lease itself so that you can’t have any miscommunication or arguments in the future.
So, now you know exactly what to ask when you’re visiting a rental property in Gurgaon. Go ahead and find the best flat for yourself. Good luck!