Think you have found the perfect apartment and are eagerly waiting to sign the contract? Even though we keep urging readers to carefully read the terms of the contract before signing it, there are things that don’t get included in the tenancy contract but matter a lot (Like, A LOT). Make sure you ask your landlord questions about the issues that could wind up being dealbreakers.
Community facilities
The landlord might show you proof that all outstanding utility bills have been paid. However, there are other payments which he might keep to himself, including community charges. If you’ve been promised access to the community gym, pool, and tennis court, make sure you ask your landlord to show you proof that he has paid all the outstanding charges, or else you might not be allowed to enjoy these facilities.
The neighbours
No matter how private you think your new home is going to be, your next door neighbours matter a great deal. Ask the landlord about the other occupants on the same floor; they might have a very loud dog or children who like to wake up before dawn and play in the hallway.
The noise
No matter how many times you viewed the property before deciding to rent it, there are some details you will only notice once you have moved in. To avoid making an unfortunate decision, ask your landlord, or even other residents in the building/community, about the noise situation in the neighbourhood. Is your new property overlooking a truck road? Is the power generator faulty and makes monstrous sounds?
Building maintenance
Prior to moving in, you might get a chance to inspect the maintenance conditions of the apartment. However, what you will not be able to verify is whether or not the building is up to date with maintenance, and if all the pipes and wires are in good condition. Instead of waiting for your DEWA bill (which will be unexplainably high because the water pipes are leaking), ask the landlord to prove that the building is as good as he claims the apartment to be.
Construction plans
Your landlord might not willingly disclose his knowledge of future construction plans that have just been approved in your area. So this is something you definitely need to keep an eye on. When you go to view the property, look around the neighbourhood for any signs of future construction sites.
Selling plans
Even though the law gives the landlord/owner all the rights to sell the property while a tenant is renting it, and change of ownership doesn’t affect the tenant’s rights to occupy the unit, having possible buyers constantly viewing your apartment can become very unpleasant. Ask the landlord if he is planning to sell the property to at least know what to expect.
