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You found the flat. You like it. The rent is fine. The landlord seems decent.
You are ready to sign.
Stop for ten minutes. There are questions you need to ask first — the ones nobody thinks of until something goes wrong three months later.
About the money
What exactly is included in the rent? Maintenance charges, society fees, parking — these are sometimes bundled in, sometimes added on top. A ?20,000 rent that comes with ?3,000 monthly maintenance is not the same as a ?23,000 all-inclusive rent. Clarify this before you calculate affordability.
What is the process for getting the deposit back? Ask this directly. How many days after vacating? What deductions are possible? Get the answer in writing.
About the property
How old is the building? Older buildings have more maintenance issues — plumbing, wiring, structural seepage during monsoon. This is not a dealbreaker but it is useful information.
Who do you call when something breaks? Is there a society maintenance team? Does the landlord handle repairs personally? How quickly do they typically respond? A landlord who takes three weeks to fix a broken geyser in winter is a problem you can predict before moving in.
What is the water situation? Municipal water supply timings, borewell availability, water tanker dependence during summers. In most Indian cities, water availability varies dramatically by building.
About the agreement
What is the notice period — for both sides? One month is standard. Some agreements push it to two. Know this before you sign.
Can the rent be increased during the agreement period? Most agreements fix the rent for the lease term. But some have clauses allowing increases. Read this clause specifically.
What are the conditions for deposit deduction? Normal wear and tear should not be deducted. Some landlords define this broadly. Know what they consider normal before you move in.
About the neighbours and building
Is the building pet-friendly? If you have or plan to have a pet, this is non-negotiable to ask before signing.
What are the society rules around guests, parking, and common areas? Some societies have restrictions on overnight guests or visitor parking that affect daily life significantly.
None of these questions take more than fifteen minutes to ask. All of them can save you months of frustration later.
