How to find apartments for rent and avoid fraud
Search of apartments for rent is possible in two main ways: through friends and through real estate agencies. Consider searching through real estate agencies, as search through a friend in need is less than the recommendations.
When looking for housing in real estate services it is desirable to avoid so-called "information" agencies. These agencies represent a relatively small fee for addresses (phone) of apartment for rent, allegedly handed over by the owners to rent. The contract for the provision of services by such agencies usually states: the subject of the contract - to provide information, consulting and other services, assistance in selection of apartments for rent and so on. Almost all of the addresses and phone numbers are in fact misleading, inaccurate or outdated: a flat will be already not available, or just surrendered, or available for pickup by other similar reasons.
Serious real estate agency on the current practice of taking in payment for their services for search and selection of 100% of the apartments rent for 1 month. At the same time without advance payment or deposit. Money paid to the fact of signing the lease - entry into the apartment. Insist on signing a lease agreement with the owner of the apartment.
The lease is desirable to prescribe the following points to ensure the rights of a tenant (lessee):
- The rent price and an indication of whether there are utilities and rent;
- The inability to change rents price during the term of the contract;
- The impossibility of termination of the lease (eviction) during the term of the lease or other period of time, such as 1 month after written notice of termination by owner;
- Who else but a tenant may live in the apartment;
- Description of the apartment, especially to reflect the defects, if any, to avoid further claims by the owner (e.g., stripped wallpaper, broken furniture and so on);
- The counters of electric power and water, availability of debt on the phone and rent.
Such a contract is valid in writing form and signed by both parties to the contract. An agreement will protect your interests in disputes with the landlord and confirm the validity of your residence, for example, if the police visit you. By signing the contract and paying the money for apartments for rent, also check in advance the suitability of received keys to the locks of apartment.