Top questions to ask your landlord before renting a house

Renting a house is a major decision that impacts not only your finances but also your lifestyle, comfort, and peace of mind. While the property itself may look perfect, what truly determines your rental experience is the clarity you have with your landlord before moving in. Asking the right questions up front can prevent unpleasant surprises, hidden costs, and disputes later on. Here are the top questions you should ask your landlord before signing a rental agreement.

 

1. What are the rent and payment terms?

The very first conversation with a landlord should clarify the financial details of rent. Beyond just the monthly amount, tenants should ask:

• What does the rent include? In some cases, water charges, maintenance, or parking fees may be included, while in others, they are billed separately.
• How is the rent expected to be paid? Bank transfer, UPI apps, cheques, or cash each have different levels of security and record-keeping.
• Is there a penalty for late payment? Many landlords impose late fees, and knowing this upfront avoids misunderstandings.

Clarity here ensures there are no unexpected add-ons that inflate your monthly expenses.

 

2. How much is the security deposit and what are the conditions for refund?

Security deposits in India can vary widely depending on the city. For example, while Bengaluru landlords may ask for deposits equivalent to 6–10 months’ rent, cities like Pune or Delhi NCR typically stick to 1–2 months. Tenants should confirm:

• The exact amount of deposit expected.
• Whether the deposit is fully refundable.
• Conditions under which deductions may be made—for example, unpaid bills, property damage, or repainting charges.
• Timeline for refund once the tenant vacates.

Being clear about deposit policies reduces financial strain when it’s time to move out.

 

3. What are the lease terms and renewal policies?

A rental agreement is not just paperwork—it sets the legal foundation of your stay. Key questions to ask include:

• What is the minimum lock-in period? Leaving before this period may invite penalties.
• What is the notice period for both tenant and landlord?
• Can the lease be renewed, and on what terms?
• Will the rent automatically increase upon renewal, and by how much?

In most Indian cities, landlords increase rent by 5–10% after 11 months or at the time of renewal. Tenants should be prepared for this escalation.

 

4. Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?

Disputes around maintenance are one of the most common pain points between landlords and tenants. Before moving in, clarify:

• Who will pay for routine maintenance like plumbing leaks, electrical issues, or appliance breakdowns?
• Are there service providers approved by the landlord, or can tenants hire their own professionals?
• What is the landlord’s response time for repair requests?

For example, while tenants may be expected to handle minor repairs like light bulb replacements, larger structural issues such as seepage or wiring faults usually fall under the landlord’s responsibility.

 

5. Are there any restrictions on using the property?

Every property comes with its own set of rules, often dictated by either the landlord or the housing society. Before finalizing, tenants should ask:

• Are pets allowed? Some societies have strict “no pets” rules.
• Can the tenant paint, drill holes, or make minor modifications?
• What are the policies around visitors and long-term guests?
• Is subletting or Airbnb-style hosting permitted?

Clarifying restrictions in advance ensures tenants don’t face conflicts with either landlords or neighbors later on.

 

6. What utilities and facilities are available?

A comfortable living experience depends heavily on utilities. Tenants should check:

• Is there 24×7 water supply, or does the area face shortages?
• Is there a reliable electricity connection and backup (inverter or generator)?
• What are the available internet and cable options?
• Is parking space provided, and is there an additional fee for it?

A property may look attractive but still be impractical without dependable utilities.

 

7. How safe and secure is the property?

Safety is non-negotiable. Questions to ask include:

• Are there CCTV cameras and security guards in the building or society?
• Are doors, windows, and locks sturdy?
• Is the neighborhood considered safe, especially at night?
• Have there been past incidents of theft or burglary in the area?

Safety features not only protect tenants but also enhance long-term comfort.

 

8. What is the locality and neighbourhood like?

The property itself is just one part of the rental experience—the locality matters equally. Tenants should ask:

• What essential amenities are nearby, such as hospitals, grocery stores, schools, and public transport?
• Does the locality face issues like waterlogging during monsoons or frequent power cuts?
• How noisy is the neighborhood, and what is the general reputation of the area?

Choosing the right location can often matter more than the flat’s interiors.

 

9. Is the property legally compliant and well-documented?

Tenants must protect themselves by ensuring the property is legally sound. Essential questions include:

• Does the landlord have legal ownership of the property?
• Will a registered rental agreement be provided? In many states, unregistered agreements are not legally binding.
• Is tenant police verification required in the city?
• Are property tax and utility bills up to date?

Verifying documentation ensures tenants don’t face legal disputes down the line.

 

10. What are the exit clauses and moving-out rules?

Ending a tenancy can sometimes be as stressful as starting one. Before signing the agreement, ask:

• What notice period must the tenant give before vacating?
• Under what conditions can the landlord ask the tenant to move out?
• How soon will the deposit be refunded, and will deductions be explained in writing?

Exit terms should be transparent so both parties can part ways smoothly.

 

11. Are there any other important things I should know?

Some questions don’t fit neatly into categories but are equally important, such as:

• Who were the previous tenants, and why did they leave?
• Are there any planned renovations or redevelopment projects that may cause disruption?
• Does the landlord live nearby, and will they be easily available for issue resolution?

These small but crucial details can significantly influence the rental experience.

 

Housing.com POV

Asking the right questions before renting a house is not just about avoiding financial pitfalls. It’s about setting expectations for a smoother, conflict-free living experience. A well-informed tenant is more likely to enjoy their stay, while landlords also benefit from fewer disputes and longer tenancies.

Many rental conflicts in India stem not from bad intent but from mismatched assumptions. A tenant may assume that the landlord will cover major repairs, while the landlord may expect the tenant to manage them. Similarly, tenants may believe rent includes maintenance fees, only to find surprise bills later.

By treating the pre-rental phase as a transparent negotiation rather than a formality, both parties can avoid resentment. The most successful rental arrangements are built on clarity and communication.

Ultimately, renting a house should feel less like entering a fragile arrangement and more like forming a balanced partnership. When tenants ask these critical questions, they don’t just secure a property but also secure peace of mind, predictability, and a home they can truly feel comfortable in.

 

FAQs

Why is it important to ask questions before renting a house?

Asking the right questions helps tenants avoid hidden costs, legal troubles, and lifestyle mismatches. It sets clear expectations between landlords and tenants, making the rental experience smoother and more transparent.

How much security deposit is common in Indian cities?

It varies by location. In Delhi or Mumbai, it’s usually 2–3 months’ rent, while Bengaluru landlords often ask for 6–10 months. Always clarify refund policies and deduction rules beforehand.

Can tenants negotiate rent with landlords?

Yes, negotiation is possible, especially if the property has been vacant for a while or if tenants are willing to commit to a longer lease. However, negotiation should be done respectfully and with market research.

What should be included in a rental agreement?

A rental agreement should clearly mention rent, deposit, lease period, notice terms, maintenance responsibilities, and restrictions. It should ideally be registered to make it legally binding and enforceable.

Who is responsible for repairs in a rented house?

Generally, landlords handle structural and major repairs, while tenants cover minor maintenance like replacing light fixtures or cleaning. However, responsibilities vary, so clarifying this in writing is essential.