When Shivani moved to Bangalore to a better job, little did she know how tough it would be to deal with landlords in IT capital. Considered to be one of the most difficult places for tenants, the landlords and the brokers in Bangalore have set different rules for themselves. To her surprise the landlord demanded a lump-sum amount as a security deposit which was 11 times the monthly rent, a standard in this city.
The brokerage fee is also one of the highest in Bangalore. Conventionally this fee is borne jointly by the tenant and the landlord.
However, Shivani?s landlord refused to pay his share, forcing her to bear the entire brokerage amount. When she finally moved in, things worsened. Despite repeated requests, the landlord would not get the bathroom fittings fixed, which had been broken before Shivani moved in. Moreover, at the time of vacating, he deducted a large fraction of the deposit on account of painting, repairs and other miscellaneous adjustments.
Most working professionals staying out of their home towns in a rented home would be able to relate to this story. Problems tenants face varies and could be about the property, area, clauses, brokers or landlords and their terms and conditions. The landlords often take advantage of the pressing need for accommodation that a prospective tenant has and then force through terms which are to the disadvantage of the latter.
Major irritants
Landlords usually charge a bulk amount as security deposit, which should be rightfully returned to the tenant when the latter vacates the accommodation. However, they usually deduct a large chunk of that amount on some pretext or another.
Landlords usually have scant respect for the privacy of the tenants. They do not even hesitate to visit the tenants at odd hours to check their house. In such circumstances, one should clarify this issue and ask the owner to come at a suitable time, preferably holidays.
There are several things in the house that undergo wear and tear and need maintenance and often, landlords do not pay heed despite repeated requests. You should note down the dates you speak to the landlord. If he is unresponsive, be patient and firm in dealing with him.
If the owner is unresponsive to requests over the phone, try sending him a formal letter. If that does not suffice, it?s best to go and talk face to face. As a tenant, always stay firm in your conversation or while sorting out any issue with the landlord.
Before taking a place on rent, ensure that the toilet and the kitchen fixtures are in good condition. In case they aren?t, get them fixed before moving in. Most landlords create a fuss over getting them repaired and may even ask you to get it done.
Legal Provisions
There have been many instances where the tenants become a gullible victim at the hands of the landlords. They often find themselves in situations where they are not able to fight back. In such situations, it is best to know the legal provisions beforehand.
It is advisable to have a clear clause in the rental agreement stating that the initial deposit would be paid back by the lessor to the lessee at the time of vacating the house.
The contract made in the rental agreement between the owner and the tenant is for a fixed period and increment in rental amount is also defined in the agreement. The agreement should clearly mention the percentage of increase of rent after the stipulated period.
Before moving into a rented house, a tenant should sort out as to who would do the minor and the major repairs. It is better to put this aspect down in the rental agreement.
A tenant should check that the electrical, water, drainage and other fixtures are in order. If it is not so, you must try to take pictures in order to have proper documentation. Any existing damage to the property should be clearly listed in a separate note signed by both the parties.
In case required a police confirmation of the antecedents of the landlord can be obtained to avoid getting into avoidable hassles at a later stage especially if the landlord has criminal records.
Taking up a house on rent comes with several hassles. Hence, to avoid issues in the future, you must have clear documentation and legal papers before moving into the place. Keeping the arrangement legal and documented helps avoid unnecessary problems both for the landlord as well as the tenant.
? The author is CEO, BankBazaar.com
