Legal Checklist Before You Rent In
When renting a bungalow, studio, flat or just about any kind of property, there are is certain legal checklist that you must put into a check before taking charge of the property and sitting back and relaxing. These few things will not only make you be better off legal dispute wise but will also make sure you are take care off in the face of adversities. These things can easily skip out of your mind and you will have nothing to back yourself and may land in the position of the vulnerable. To avoid these minor tensions that can take a big dig at you, make sure you keep this checklist at check.
- Signing authority
Make sure all your documents especially the Rent Agreement is signed by the signing authority itself, which is the owner of the land and not by their caretaker or somebody who claims to be a representative. It is important that the original owner of the land signs the document, irrespective of who has been occupying the property and since when. This is also important in the case of sub-let tenancy and needs to be taken care of. Often this single factor puts the tenant in very vulnerable positions.
- The lock in period
It is important, for you as a tenant, to check the lock in period. For example: if you have a contract for 11 months and lock-in period of 6 months, you will have to pay the rent for 6 months even if you want to vacate the property before that. This simply means that your rent agreement or tenure of 11 months is independent of the lock-in period. It is hence important for you check through the document and check for the lock in period in the document, to avoid any further disputes with the land-owner.
- Maintenance of the property
By the law, if any furnishing or piping and fittings are provided by the land owner, then they are the ones who will be responsible to repair or replace these things and the tenant should not be charged for it. This is something that is conveyed by the owner or the caretaker verbally to the tenant but it would be better if this is taken down on the rent agreement, so that if any problem arises in the future you can get by what is written in the document. You can add a special claws of the maintenance of the property in the document and add this and other possible factors that may arise under that, this will not only protect you from being exploited but will also help you avoid ay dispute with the landlord. At the same time it is advised to check every nook and corner of the house for any kind of unfair plumbing condition or any other fixture discrepancies before the tenant decides to move in.
- Notice Period
Notice period basically refers to the time frame you will be given to vacate the place. This is an important point and hence needs to clearly taken down on the paper for both the parties, in clear and precise words. The date should be both favourable to the tenant and the landlord when vacating the house is thought of, mutually favouring situations will help avoid the disputes to arise.
- Security Deposit
Security deposit is basically the upfront deposit that is asked of of the tenant to compensate against any wear and tear of the property, mishandled equipment, unpaid bills, unpaid rent and other miscellaneous cost borne, when the tenant leaves. It is important to not only know what should be the right amount of the lump-sum that is asked out of you as “security deposit” but it is equally important to know under what time and circumstances you can claim it back from the landlord. These little details should also go on paper, in the rent agreement.
Remember that there is no going back once you read, understand and then finally sign a rent agreement, hence be extra cautious and careful. Pay the required attention to the document when it is being made and try and under every clause of it before you decide to sign it.
