Renting a flat: what to check before you sign

Before the visit

Confirm the rent, the security deposit (one to three months in most cities; up to ten in Bengaluru and Mumbai), who pays maintenance, and whether the flat is available to families, bachelors or both. Ask whether pets, sub-letting and working from home are allowed.

At the visit

Run every tap and switch. Check water pressure in the morning, phone signal in each room, and whether the geyser, fans and fittings on the listing are actually there. Photograph existing damage and send the photos to the owner the same day — they are your record when the deposit is returned.

The rent agreement

An 11-month leave-and-licence agreement is the norm. Insist that it names: rent, deposit and how it will be refunded, the notice period for both sides, who pays repairs, the annual increase (5–10% is typical), and the lock-in period, if any. Register it if your state requires registration (Maharashtra does); a notarised agreement is not the same thing.

Police verification

Many cities require the owner to submit tenant details to the local police station. It protects both of you — do not skip it because it is inconvenient.

Moving out

Give notice in writing, hand over on the agreed date with the flat cleaned, and get the deposit refund in writing with any deductions itemised. Deductions for normal wear and tear are not legitimate.

General information only. Tenancy rules differ by state; the Model Tenancy Act 2021 has been adopted in some states and not others.