Protect your rent deposit
Most deposit disputes come from two things: unpaid dues and the flat's condition at handover. Here is who usually looks after what, and how to keep a record both sides trust.
Protect your deposit
Most deposit disputes come from two things: unpaid dues and the flat's condition at handover. Agree who looks after what, and keep a dated photo record from day one. It is fair to both the tenant and the owner.
USUALLY THE TENANT'S (LICENSEE'S) SIDE
- AC servicing and gas top-ups during the stay
- Electricity, gas, internet and DTH bills
- Small repairs: bulbs, taps, washers, switches, door locks
- Upkeep of appliances given with the flat, normal wear and tear excepted
- Damage caused during the stay, and keeping the flat clean
- Following society rules on noise, parking and pets
USUALLY THE OWNER'S (LICENSOR'S) SIDE
- Property tax, rates and other outgoings
- Society maintenance, sinking fund and non-occupancy charges (unless the agreement says otherwise)
- Structural repairs, seepage and leaks from walls or the slab
- Replacing appliances that fail from age
- Society NOC and police tenant verification
- Refunding the deposit on handover, less agreed dues
- 1Before moving inPhotograph every room, wall, fitting and appliance, and note existing defects.
- 2Save them in your free Rentu accountMove-in photos are dated and shared with the other party.
- 3Report defects as they happenAdd photos; the owner is told at once and it stays on record.
- 4At move-outTake the same photos again. Before and after, side by side, settles the deposit.
One record, two versions. When the owner and the tenant each open a free account with the mobile number on the rental, it shows in both accounts. Each side adds its own photos; Rentu keeps the owner's version and the tenant's version side by side, before and after, and record photos cannot be deleted by the other side.
Who pays what is finally decided by your leave and licence agreement. Write it there.