Any tips before signing for a lease?

Member since 19 December 2010

cricri58007New member18 February 2011 16:35:08

Hello,

I am about to sign a lease (renting an apartment) we agreed with the owner that it should be 1 year, not 3.
Any extra recommendations , something to be cautious about?
thank you for your help
Chris

WorldExpat Serial expat

Member since 08 October 2010

WorldExpatSerial expat19 February 2011 20:34:47

209

Check to make sure there no holes in the walls at all, if any, even the smallest, note it in the lease. Also, if it is dirty or something is broken, write it.

eddyrose1 New member

Member since 02 August 2010

eddyrose1New member22 February 2011 14:34:36

Make sure that you take pictures of the apartment, take notes of anything that appears damaged so that you will not be blamed at the end of your lease. Have the landlord or rental agency go through the apartment with you, and most important, three months before the end of your 1 year lease, send the owner or rental agency a certified letter of intent to leave the appartment. I was not aware of this law and ended up having to stay one more year, otherwise I would have lost my 2 month's deposit and also had to pay an additional 2 months rent!

WorldExpat Serial expat

Member since 08 October 2010

WorldExpatSerial expat22 February 2011 17:02:32

209

Also, if there is mold in the apartment, make sure you note it, and ask the landlord if he will take care to clean/remove and if not, there should be a clause that you can vacate the apt. in a shorter notice, lets say 1 month or so.