Renting a property is a decision people make quickly and then live with for months or years. Before signing, it is worth pausing on five points that prevent most of the problems we see afterwards.
1. That whoever rents it is entitled to rent it
It sounds obvious, but it is the check people skip most often. Whoever signs the contract must be the owner or hold a document authorising them to lease the property. Asking for that proof is not distrust: it is what stops a third party from turning up three months later to claim the property.
2. Exactly what the price covers
The monthly rent is rarely the only thing you pay. Before signing, make sure the following is clear and in writing:
- Whether condominium maintenance is included or billed separately
- How water, electricity, internet and refuse collection are handled
- Whether the price includes VAT
- How many months of deposit are required, and the conditions for getting them back
Two properties with the same monthly rent can end up costing very different amounts.
3. The real condition, documented
Before moving in, walk through the property without rushing and photograph every detail: damp, taps, locks, the condition of the walls. That record, attached to the contract, is what protects your deposit when it is time to hand the property back.
It is worth running the taps, testing the hot water, checking the pressure and trying the power sockets. Ten minutes that save arguments later.
4. The rules of the building
Condominiums and apartment buildings have internal regulations that almost nobody reads and that apply regardless: moving hours, whether pets are allowed, how many parking spaces you get, whether you may use the common areas. Ask for them before signing, not after you move in.
5. How you get out of the contract
This is the clause nobody looks at in the beginning and everybody looks for at the end. Check how much notice you must give in order not to renew, what happens if you need to leave early, and on what terms the rent is adjusted on renewal.
In short
Almost every tenancy dispute starts with something that was assumed and never written down. A clear contract does not complicate the relationship: it puts it in order.
At Valterra we review these points on every transaction before it reaches our clients. If you are looking for somewhere to rent, or you want to put your property up for rent, write to us and we will go through it together.