Renting safely: what to check before you sign a lease

Renting looks simpler than buying, but it has its own surprises: a dispute over the deposit when you move out, an overdue bill nobody mentioned, or a breakdown that no one seems responsible for fixing. Most of these problems can be avoided with a few simple steps before you sign. Here is what we recommend checking before you collect the keys.

Start with the listing itself: make sure the photos match the property you are viewing, that the rent in the listing is what the landlord is actually asking, and that it is clear from the outset what the rent includes, such as furniture, appliances or a parking space. If you are dealing with a real-estate company, ask about its role in the contract and about any fees before the viewing, not after.

The lease: terms you should not give up

A written contract protects both you and the landlord, so do not settle for a verbal agreement, however much you trust each other. Make sure the lease clearly states:

• The names of both parties exactly as on their official IDs, plus the address and description of the property.
• The duration of the lease, its start and end dates, and how it can be renewed.
• The rent, its currency, how and when it is paid, and whether it is monthly or several months in advance.
• The conditions under which either party may end the lease early, and the notice period required.
• The purpose of the rental, residential or commercial, and any restrictions on use.

Also confirm that the landlord is the owner or is officially authorised to rent the property out, and ask to see proof. Read the whole contract before signing, and never sign a document with blank spaces or clauses you do not understand.

The deposit: when and how you get it back

Many disagreements start on moving day. Write the deposit amount clearly into the lease, together with the situations in which part of it may be deducted and how long the landlord has to return it after you hand the property back. The better documented the move-in inspection is, the easier it is to recover your deposit. Make sure the lease or the receipt states that the amount is a refundable deposit and not part of the rent.

Utilities, bills and the generator subscription

Rent is not the only thing you will pay each month. Agree in advance on who pays the national electricity and water bills, and check the latest bills to make sure nothing is outstanding from a previous tenant. For the private neighbourhood generator subscription, usually called the amperes or ambeer, ask about:

• How many amperes the property has, and whether that is enough for your cooling and heating needs.
• The usual operating hours, who pays the subscription, and whose name it is registered under.
• Whether the changeover switch between grid power and the generator works properly.
• Any other service charges, such as cleaning or security in residential compounds.

A move-in inspection with photos

Before you move your belongings in, walk through the property with the landlord and photograph every room and every visible defect, from walls and floors to appliances and furniture if any are included. Record the meter readings on the day you take over, list the furniture and appliances with their condition, and have both parties sign the list and attach it to the lease. Before signing, test the air conditioners, water heaters, water pressure and locks, and ask for any repairs to be done before you move in, not after.

Photograph everything on move-in day and keep the pictures with their dates. Those few minutes are the strongest evidence you have if there is ever a dispute about the deposit or about damage you did not cause.

Maintenance and receipts: who is responsible for what

Agree in writing on how maintenance is shared. Commonly, the landlord covers major repairs, such as structural problems, the roof and the main water and electrical systems, while the tenant handles minor upkeep caused by everyday use. What matters most is that this is written into the lease rather than left to interpretation. Also agree on how faults are reported and a reasonable time for fixing them, so an important problem is not left waiting for weeks. Whenever you need help, you can find maintenance, cleaning and moving providers in the services directory.

Finally, ask for a signed receipt for every payment, whether rent, deposit or service charges, and keep a copy. Where possible, a bank or electronic transfer leaves a clearer record than cash. If any clause is unclear, consult a lawyer before you sign.

Find your next home among the rental properties on Betonna, contact well-known real-estate companies, and run through this checklist before every signature. If you have questions, our frequently asked questions are a good place to start.