The Residential Tenant’s Checklist

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You're interested in renting a property, but what are the steps you need to take to ensure a quick and easy process?

Here's a checklist detailing what you need to consider and action.

Need help with mortgage, escrow, currency exchange, moving, relocation and furnishing? We can help.

Step 1: Research prior to renting

Knowing the ideal area/neighbourhood you would like to live in will help you understand what you can get for your budget.

Step 2: Schools, conveniences and commuting

Consider the location of your home relative to your life requirements: Schools, transport, amenities. Commuting is also a critical factor – a long journey can detract from your quality of life.

Step 3: Budget

Include rent advances, brokerage fees, immediate relocation expenses, down payments for gas, DEWA & Internet connections, other loan payments, transportation expenses, food and any activity that you do on a regular basis that costs money.

Step 4: Make a list of what property features are important for you

It’s rare to find perfection, so keep to your list and don’t lose focus of what’s important. Bring a notepad to each viewing and take photos for reference. Make a snag list to ensure all issues are addressed by the landlord.

Step 5: Size

Consider the size of the property if you are moving existing furniture across. Be organised – take dimensions of existing furniture and use a measuring tape to check if it fits.

Step 6: Inspect

Don’t settle for a quick visual inspection. Check if the air conditioning works. Inform the landlord if you have any doubts regarding the quality of the electrical wiring or plumbing. Ask your consultant to help you with this.

Step 7: Facilities and amenities

Try to rent an apartment or a villa that has a pool, playground for children or a recreation room. This will help you save on lifestyle costs.

Step 8. Get organised

Prepare all required documentation that includes the following:

For an individual:

1. Passport
2. Residency visa

For a company:

1. Trade License
2. Passport of the company owner and tenant
3. Residency visa of the tenant

Step 9: Be ready

Some landlords require one cheque as an upfront annual payment while others accept upto 12 cheques. Payments are usually made through post-dated cheques. Ensure that payment terms are clearly stated in the contract upon signing.

Step 10: Other payments and paperwork

Aside from passport and residency visa copies, you will need to pay (as a standard fee), 5% of the annual rent as a deposit to the landlord to secure the property. Brokerage companies usually charge around 5% of the annual rent as part of their agency fee. A tenancy contract clearly stating the landlord and tenant’s name is then drawn up.

As soon as both parties sign the tenancy contract, the landlord will provide the keys to facilitate the moving-in process.

Looking for more resources? View our other checklists here