Finding the perfect apartment is one of the first steps of adulting, but it can also be a bit scary. Moreover, if it’s a city like Delhi, things can get tricky. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight things to look out for before you rent a house in Delhi.

1. Evaluate the neighbourhood

It is very important to know the neighbourhood in which you are going to live. Make sure that you talk to your neighbours and get their opinion about the building. See if amenities like a chemist, grocery store, salon, electrician, and other essentials are available within walking distance. Also, make sure that the neighbourhood is safe and comfortable.

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2. Cost of living

Rent is never the only expense when you move into a new house. Check the additional charges you are required to pay. There are things like brokerage, security deposit, and advance rent which need to be paid before you move in. Check with your landlord if you have to pay an electricity bill and water bill which is not part of your rent. Make sure to ask about maintenance charges or any other kind of regular expense that you have to bear. Lastly, check your budget and evaluate whether you will be able to bear these overhead expenses every month or not. Make a smart decision and not an impulsive one.

3. Pet policy

Before signing the lease, read carefully about the pet policy. Some apartments are not pet-friendly. So, if you already have a pet or you’re planning to keep one, make sure your landlord knows about it before you rent the apartment. Sometimes, landlords even charge extra for pets. Make sure you are specific about the kind of pets you want to keep.

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4. Is the house interference-free?

Some landlords don’t allow roommates or visitors. Ask them about their policy on sharing the flat or friends visiting. If they’re okay with this, ask them if they have any limit on the number of visitors. Check if you are allowed to host a party in your apartment. Make sure to read your lease about these issues before you’re caught off-guard.

5. Talk to your neighbours

If you have troublesome neighbours living across your house, it can completely ruin your experience, so meet your neighbours before you rent the apartment. You don’t have to be friends with your neighbours but make sure your lifestyle is a match. If you are a quiet person and your neighbours are loud, that could be a problem for you.

6. Check your parking spot

Some apartments have parking issues, so check the area where you will be parking your vehicle before you move in. Make sure you get a fixed parking spot. If not, there should be plenty of space for both you and your neighbour to park your vehicle. Some parking spots tend to flood in the rainy season, so make sure that’s not the case by talking to the guard or neighbours. Check the lighting in the parking area. It should not be too dark and should have lighting at all times of the night.

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7. Check your furniture and other electrical items

Some apartments come with their own furniture. So, you have to be very careful while you look for an apartment. Check the furniture properly. Look for the plug points and whether they work or not. Make sure the lighting works. Ask your landlord about repairs if something goes wrong with the electrical items or the provided furniture. Most importantly, check the furniture in the bathroom as it can deteriorate due to water exposure.

8. Location, location, location

This isn’t just a myth in the real estate world. Location is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when you’re choosing a house, especially in a city as big as Delhi. Check how far the apartment is from the nearest train station, metro station, or bus stop. You have to consider your daily commute within the city. If there’s no public transport medium nearby, it would be better to own a vehicle. Checking the location in this way will help you calculate the time it’ll take every day to get to college or office.

Related: 6 Things To Consider Before You Move Out Of Your Parents’ Home For The First Time

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