Finding a rental home in India can be both exciting and exhausting. With rising rents, varying security deposit norms, and unpredictable maintenance responsibilities, tenants often end up facing problems they never expected. This is mostly because the right questions were not asked during the house showing. Whether it is your first rental or you’re shifting cities for work, clarity at the beginning prevents misunderstandings, unexpected expenses, and legal disputes later. This guide covers the most important questions every tenant should ask a landlord during a house visit in India.
Questions about the property itself
Before diving into rent or paperwork, it’s important to understand the condition and practicality of the home you are considering. These questions help you assess whether the property is structurally sound, well-maintained, and suitable for your daily needs.
1. What is the exact built-up, carpet and usable area?
In India, property listings often mention built-up or super built-up area rather than carpet area. Knowing the actual usable area helps you determine if your furniture will fit, whether you’re paying a fair price, and how the home compares with similar rentals.
2. How old is the building and when were major repairs last done?
The age of the building affects everything from structural stability to plumbing and wiring. Older buildings may have charm and space, but they may also come with issues like seepage, weak water pressure, and outdated electrical systems. Ask specifically about recent work on:
- Plumbing lines
- Waterproofing
- Elevator maintenance
- Structural repairs
3. Are there any known issues with water supply or power outages?
Water availability is a major concern in many Indian cities. Some localities depend entirely on borewell water; others rely on municipal supply with limited timings. Ask whether:
- The building depends on tankers in summer
- There is a water motor schedule
- Power backup is available for the entire home or only for lights and fans
4. What furniture and appliances are included?
Fully furnished, semi-furnished, and unfurnished homes vary widely. Verify:
- Appliance brands and working condition
- Age of refrigerator/AC/geyser
- Whether repairs for included appliances are landlord’s responsibility
- Which items will be removed by the previous tenant
This avoids disputes during move-in and when vacating.
Questions about rent and deposits
Rental costs in India often include multiple components beyond the advertised rent. Asking the right questions about deposits, inclusions, payment cycles, and escalation clauses ensures financial clarity before finalising the deal.
1. What is the monthly rent and what does it include?
Sometimes rent includes maintenance charges, parking, water charges, or security fees, but sometimes these are added separately. Clarify each cost upfront.
2. How much is the security deposit?
Deposit norms vary widely in India:
- Bengaluru: traditionally 6–10 months
- Mumbai/Delhi/Pune: 1–3 months
- Chennai/Hyderabad/Kolkata: usually 2–3 months
Discuss refund terms, deductions, and the timeline for returning the deposit after vacating.
3. Is the rent negotiable and how often will it increase?
Most landlords expect a 5–10% annual increase, but it depends on local practices. Ask whether the increase is fixed or negotiable.
4. How should rent be paid and when?
UPI, NEFT, cheque, auto-debit, whichever method the landlord prefers, get clarity on:
- Payment cycle
- Due date
- Grace period
- Penalty for late payment
Questions about maintenance and repairs
Maintenance responsibilities can vary widely between landlords and tenants, and unclear expectations often lead to disputes. Clarifying how repairs are handled helps you understand your obligations and avoid unexpected expenses.
1. Who handles day-to-day repairs?
This is one of the most common causes of conflict between tenants and landlords. In India, minor repairs such as tap leaks, bulb replacements, or door adjustments are often expected to be handled by the tenant. Larger repairs, like geyser replacement, AC servicing, plumbing line issues, should ideally be covered by the landlord.
2. What is the process for reporting issues?
Some landlords respond immediately, while others may take days. Ask:
- Preferred mode of contact (call, WhatsApp)
- Average response time
- Whether they have preferred technicians
3. Are there any ongoing society maintenance works or upcoming projects?
If the society plans repainting, elevator modernisation, or drainage repairs, this may temporarily affect your comfort or increase maintenance costs during your stay.
Questions about utilities and services
Utilities directly impact your comfort and monthly expenses. These questions help you check the reliability of essential services, like water, electricity, and internet, before committing to the home.
1. How is the water supply arranged?
Understanding whether the home receives municipal water, borewell water, or tanker water helps you gauge water quality and cost. Ask about:
- Daily timing of water supply
- Water pressure on upper floors
- Common tank cleaning schedule
2. What kind of electricity connection does the home have?
Check:
- Average monthly bill
- Load capacity
- Whether separate meters exist for tenants
- Availability of an inverter or a diesel generator backup
3. What are the internet options available?
Not all broadband providers operate in every area. Confirm whether popular ISPs like JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, ACT, or local providers are available.
Questions about safety and security
Safety is a key factor for tenants, especially in busy urban areas. Asking about security arrangements and past incidents helps you evaluate whether the property and neighbourhood offer a secure living environment.
1. How secure is the building or neighbourhood?
Security levels vary significantly in Indian residential complexes. Features to ask about include:
- CCTV cameras
- 24×7 security guard
- Access-controlled gates
- Visitor entry logs
2. Have there been any recent break-ins or safety concerns?
While landlords may hesitate to disclose crimes, the question often prompts honest answers. Cross-check with neighbours or the society office if unsure.
3. What are the fire safety measures?
This is especially important for high-rise apartments. Check:
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire exits
- Sprinkler systems
- Emergency alarms
Questions about the rental agreement
Rental agreements in India contain detailed clauses that shape your stay, rights, and responsibilities. These questions help you understand the legal and practical terms before signing the contract.
1. What are the key terms of the rental agreement?
Some clauses commonly found in Indian rental agreements include:
- Notice period (usually 1–3 months)
- Lock-in period
- Rent escalation clause
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Clause on painting during move-out
Discuss these before drafting the agreement.
2. Are there any restrictions?
Landlords in India may restrict tenants on:
- Non-vegetarian cooking
- Pets
- Bachelors or shared living
- Hosting visitors or parties
- Running a home office
Clarify all restrictions upfront.
3. Is tenant police verification mandatory?
Many cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Noida, Pune, and Mumbai require police verification. Ask whether the landlord will initiate it and how long the process takes.
Questions about locality and amenities
A house may look perfect, but its surroundings play a big role in your daily convenience. These questions help you assess the neighbourhood’s suitability, connectivity, and available facilities.
1. What amenities are accessible?
Apartment complexes often offer gyms, swimming pools, clubhouses, and gardens. Know which facilities you can use and whether additional fees apply.
2. What is the neighbourhood like?
Ask about:
- Schools and colleges
- Hospitals and clinics
- Grocery stores, markets, malls
- Traffic conditions during peak hours
- Public transport connectivity (metro, buses, autos)
3. What are the noise levels and traffic patterns?
Road-facing apartments might be noisier. Proximity to bars, event halls, or construction sites can also affect daily comfort.
Questions about move-in conditions
Before shifting, it is important to know whether the home will be cleaned, repaired, and prepared as promised. These questions ensure a smooth transition and clarify expectations for both move-in and move-out.
1. When is the earliest move-in date?
This depends on whether the current tenant has vacated and if cleaning or repairs are needed.
2. Will the landlord make any pre-move repairs or upgrades?
Common pre-move requests include:
- Repainting
- Deep cleaning
- Replacing malfunctioning appliances
- Fixing plumbing leaks
- Patching damp walls
Get these commitments in writing.
3. What documents are required to finalise the rental?
Typically, landlords in India ask for:
- Aadhaar or Passport
- Employment ID or offer letter
- Post-dated cheques (in some cities)
- Reference contact (optional)
Being prepared speeds up the process.
Final tips for renters during a house showing
Asking questions is only the first step. Once details are agreed upon:
- Take photos and videos before moving in
- Document the condition of appliances and furniture
- Get every verbal promise added to the agreement
- Maintain clear communication throughout the tenancy
- Clarify move-out conditions early, especially painting, cleaning, and deposit deductions
These small steps go a long way in ensuring a smooth rental experience.
Housing.com POVÂ
In India’s fast-evolving rental landscape, tenants increasingly value transparency as much as affordability. The modern renter is no longer content with vague promises, incomplete information, or informal arrangements. They seek clarity, documentation, and accountability because today’s rental decisions are driven by long-term comfort, not just short-term convenience. A thoughtful approach to house showings reflects this shift. Rather than focusing solely on price and location, tenants now examine water reliability, neighbourhood safety, maintenance responsiveness, and digital conveniences. They understand that a well-informed decision protects not just their finances, but also their quality of life.
Platforms and tools that empower tenants with structured checklists, detailed property insights, and verified information are becoming essential in this environment. Ultimately, the rental experience in India is moving toward greater professionalism, where clarity replaces guesswork, informed choices replace compromises, and renters feel more confident, secure, and respected in every stage of the housing journey.
FAQs
Should tenants check the mobile network strength during a house visit?
Yes. Indoor signal strength varies across buildings and providers. Checking network quality for calls and data helps avoid future inconvenience, especially if you work from home or use mobile internet frequently.
Is it okay to ask neighbours questions during a house showing?
Absolutely. Neighbours often provide useful insights about noise levels, water issues, society culture, and safety. A quick conversation can reveal things you may not learn from the landlord.
How long should a typical house showing take?
A proper house showing should take 20–30 minutes. This allows enough time to inspect appliances, check ventilation, understand the layout, take photos, and ask the landlord all critical questions comfortably.
Can tenants request written confirmation of promises made during the showing?
Yes, and it is recommended. Asking for written confirmation, via WhatsApp or in the rental agreement, helps prevent future disputes over repairs, rent inclusions, or move-in commitments.
Should renters check the house at different times of day before finalising?
If possible, yes. Visiting at different hours helps tenants evaluate noise levels, sunlight, traffic conditions, safety, and water pressure more accurately before committing.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
Comments 0