Share This Article
Most rental mistakes happen before you move in. Not after. They happen at the signing stage, when everything seems fine and you are eager to get the keys.
Use this checklist every time. Even if you trust the landlord. Even if you are in a hurry.
1. Verify the Landlord’s Identity
Ask for government-issued photo ID. In India, Aadhaar or PAN. In the UK, passport or driving licence. The name on the ID should match the name on the agreement.
2. Confirm Property Ownership
Property tax receipt, electricity bill, or land registry record should confirm the landlord owns the property. Do not proceed on trust alone.
3. Check the Property Address Matches
Floor, flat number, building, street — everything should match exactly between the listing, the agreement, and what you see in person.
4. Confirm the Rent Amount in Writing
The rent should be written in the agreement in both figures and words. No vague references to mutually agreed amounts.
5. Check the Security Deposit Amount
The deposit should be explicitly stated. In India, two months is the Model Tenancy Act recommendation. Anything significantly higher warrants a conversation.
6. Read the Rent Escalation Clause
Is there one? If yes, what percentage and how often? If there is no clause, rent cannot increase during the agreement period.
7. Check the Lock-In Period
How long before either party can exit? Is it the same for both sides? Make sure you are comfortable with the minimum commitment.
8. Verify the Notice Period
How many days notice must you give before vacating? How many must the landlord give before asking you to leave? Both should be equal or near-equal.
9. Confirm Who Pays for Utilities and Maintenance
Electricity, water, gas, internet, and society maintenance charges. All should be clearly attributed in the agreement.
10. Check the Maintenance Responsibility Clause
Minor repairs: usually tenant. Major structural: usually landlord. The agreement should make this explicit.
11. Verify Whether Sub-Letting Is Allowed
If you plan to share the flat, make sure the agreement does not prohibit sub-letting or adding co-occupants.
12. Check the Pet Clause
If you have or plan to get a pet, the agreement must allow it. A verbal yes from the landlord is not enough.
13. Confirm the Deposit Return Timeline and Conditions
When will the deposit be returned after vacating? What deductions are allowed? What counts as normal wear and tear?
14. Check the Stamp Duty and Registration
Has stamp duty been paid correctly? For 11-month agreements, registration is optional but recommended. For longer leases, registration is compulsory.
15. Read the Entire Agreement End to End
Do not sign anything you have not read fully. If you do not understand a clause, ask. If the landlord cannot or will not explain it, that is your signal to pause.
One More Thing
After signing, keep a copy. Not just a photo on your phone. A full signed copy in a place you can access if the phone is lost or broken.
Internal links: https://dwellble.com/blog/10-clauses-rent-agreement-tenant-checklist, https://dwellble.com/blog/is-rent-agreement-mandatory-india, https://dwellble.com/blog/how-to-verify-landlord-before-paying-deposit
External links: mohua.gov.in, shcilestamp.com