Stay short until you know the street
The first apartment is where the move can become expensive. Rent somewhere temporary while you view homes in person. Open the taps, check the phone signal and look for damp. Return at another hour if you can. A landlord asking you to pay quickly is a reason to slow down, not to skip the checks.
Ask for the rent, deposit, utilities, agent fees, inventory and notice terms in writing. Take photos at move-in. Never pay a large sum to a person you have not independently verified as the owner or authorised agent.
If a place is good but the contract is rigid, compare its total cost with keeping your flexibility. A cheaper flat can become expensive when a bad location forces taxis or an early move.
Ask before you transfer money
A rental photograph cannot tell you whether the bedroom is noisy at dawn or whether the owner repairs things promptly. Visit, ask who handles maintenance, and keep a copy of the inventory and meter readings. If you cannot visit yet, pay only through a platform or agent whose identity and dispute process you have checked independently. Leave yourself enough time to walk away from a rushed offer.
Before moving on, ask yourself
- Who legally receives the deposit, and when and how is it returned?
- What will utilities, building fees and internet add to the advertised rent?
- Could you leave after the test if the location does not suit you?