Scrutinize the Tenancy Agreement

Never pay any money without seeing and understanding the tenancy agreement first.

· Read Every Clause: Don’t just skim. Pay attention to the lease duration, rent amount, caution fee, renewal terms, and notice period for quitting.

· Break Clause: Does the agreement allow you to break the lease early under certain conditions? What are the penalties?

· Who Handles Repairs? The agreement should clearly state which repairs are the landlord’s responsibility (e.g., structural issues, roofing) and which are the tenant’s (e.g., changing light bulbs).

· Get It Stamped: An unstamped agreement is not a legally binding document in a court of law. Ensure it is stamped and you receive a copy.

6. Payment and Documentation

This is where you must be most careful to avoid scams.

· Avoid Cash Payments: Always make payments via bank transfer directly to the landlord’s or reputable agency’s account. This provides a paper trail.

· Get Receipts: For every payment you make—rent, caution fee, agent fee—insist on a signed receipt.

· Inventory List: Before moving in, create a list of all items in the apartment (furniture, appliances, fittings) and their condition. Take dated pictures and videos of every room, highlighting any existing damage. Share this with the landlord and keep a copy. This will protect your caution fee when moving out.