If you are renting out a house and need to shift once lease/agreement of the old one got over, or you've shifted to a new city or locality and have rented out an apartment then you will know what a headache shifting is. Specially if it's with the family! If you are going to be moving soon, then I have some pointers for you that you should know, and you won't necessarily read these on the usual websites.
1. Check if all electric connections/plumbing work.
When you are looking for houses, you will make decisions in a hurry, and you may take note of major things like whether fan and light is working, windows and doors close, bathrooms function and so on. But it's a good idea to literally check each and every thing like the fan's regulator, all electrical plugs etc before hand - so that you can ask the owner to fix things rather than having to pay for it yourself. It would be a good idea to have an electrician/plumber visit and repair things before you move in so that you can go back to day to day functioning at the soonest.
2. Take pictures/evidence of any existing damage to property
Owners will blame you for damaging their property and deduct the amount from the deposit when you move out, so it is best you take evidence when you are moving in. Actual images of the house when you move in, plus more images of any wall/tile/appliance etc that is already in a damaged condition so that when there is a discussion, you have your evidence! With a mobile and ample storage these days, it is easy to quickly take pictures/videos and use them if required.
3. Check network reception
There was a time when vaastu, nearby amenities, floor rise etc were the only important things while looking for a home to rent out. But with changing times and the internet era, you have to make sure you are getting good reception on your phones and get WiFi connection asap too. I actually know a society where they don't get any network on a couple of service providers, at all. I would definitely not rent a flat there! Make a call from the site, check data download/upload via speed test apps and check if you get network in all rooms (and bathrooms).
4. Nearest bus stop, auto stand, grocery store, medical etc
Bus stops are redundant in many places thanks to uber/ola etc, but if you still travel by bus/auto make sure you have a stand nearby so that daily commute is easy. Also find out if daily necessities are nearby - medical, general store, 1-2 food joints and so on. After all, you cannot rely on online orders all the time!
5. Packers & Movers
If you're shifting somewhere in the same locality, you can rely on a local packer and mover, for out of city transfers better to go for someone more recognized and branded/professional. Make sure to read a couple of reviews for whoever you choose, there will be many on justdial/google business etc.
6. Label boxes properly!
When the packer and movers come to do their work, all hell usually breaks loose as they start dumping all your stuff in carton boxes etc. Make sure you ask them to only work at your comfort and pace - and keep labelling every box that gets packed - to the minutest details. For eg. don't just write the person's name who's stuff is kept inside, but also which cupboard/drawer it was taken from. This will make it a lot easier for you to put them back in place.
7. Keep an overnighter handy
Once your stuff has been moved to the new place, you will probably not have the energy to unpack anything the same day and will be searching for things like toothbrush, undergarments, medicines the next day and may not find them. Best to keep an overnighter packed with all essentials like clothes for 2 days, under garments, socks, medicines, toiletries etc so that while you keep unpacking, you can start functioning normally. This point is even more important for working couples who have to get back to work the very next day.
8. Keep record of all expenses, bills etc
Take bills from electricians, plumber, carpenter, mover and packer etc. One - it will help you understand how much it overall costs you to move houses. Two - if you have to ask the owner to pay for anything, owner will surely ask you for a receipt of payment made. Three - if any repair done was not done properly, having the bill handy totally helps.
9. Move in/Move out formalities
This one is something I was not aware of. The person renting the house has to pay society moving in/moving out charges and also give an intimation at-least 2 days before hand that they're going to move in/out. Society then gives an approval letter for the same to happen. The charges are taken so that incase there is any damage to the lift/society's property, that is covered. This process/who pays the charge etc may different from city to city but best to make sure what it is, in advance.
10. Agreement
Whether you get a notarized agreement or registered agreement, very important to have one in place with all clauses, deposit amount, rent amount etc mentioned. Make copies of the agreement and also have a soft copy on your email, so that even if you loose the copies, it's not a big thing.
Hope this helps, specially when there is no broker to mediate, you have to do a lot more research on your own. If there are any more things that we can add to this list, do comment with the same and I will update on the blog article. Happy moving!
