Juliet Risdon
The Most Important Questions To Ask…
If you have not seen the earlier articles on this subject, here is a brief introduction to the series. Of course you can find the articles online on the Macau Daily Times website.
With the high costs and the potential happiness of your family at stake, it is natural to be concerned that you are both making a good decision and getting value for money.
The trouble is you may find yourself renting a property whilst starting a new job, moving your family to a new country and enrolling the kids in a new school all at the same time.
Of course it is important to do your homework about any potential property you are considering to rent, and with so many things going on you also have to remember to ask your agent the most important questions about the property you are considering.
The list below is in no particular order, and is intended as a starting point to help identify which questions to ask.
Can I sublet the apartment?
In the event that you need to move out before your lease is up subletting may be the only way to avoid breaking it.
However, many owners are staunchly against subletting, and it could be a serious breach of contract.
If you are given permission to sub-let the property, it must be specifically added into the Tenancy Agreement and of course in writing.
Can I make changes to the apartment and will there be costs involved?
Adding a personal touch to an apartment may end up being quite costly if you don’t have permission to do so.
Many owners don’t mind as long as you put things back the way they were when you moved in, but they are wary of tenants who claim to have ‘improved’ the apartment by leaving brightly colored walls and makeshift furniture.
Are there plans to make any updates to the apartment complex?
This is an important question for two reasons;
Firstly, if improvements are being made then you may have to deal with construction noise and disruption and secondly;
Updates could add to the amenities, enjoyment and appeal of your apartment.
Under what circumstances would my security deposit not be refunded?
Returning the apartment without giving it a thorough clean could be enough for the property manager to withhold a portion of your security deposit.
A good rule of thumb is that with the exception of normal wear and tear, an apartment should be left the way it was when you moved in if you want to receive the full deposit back.
How long am I expected to wait before my security deposit refund is given back to me ?
Getting back a two-month security deposit is a big factor for most tenants.
Bearing in mind that you will move to another apartment and will need to find two-months security deposit for that apartment, you will want to get the deposit back as quickly as possible.
In most instances it should be paid back within 7 working days, but whatever is agreed verbally should be clearly stated in the Tenancy Agreement. Juliet Risdon
Next Week: That concludes the ‘most important questions that tenants MUST ask’ series, and next week we look at Landlords.
Juliet Risdon is a Director of JML Property and a property investor.
Having established the company in 1994, JML Property offers Investment Property & Homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants.
www.JMLProperty.com
info@JMLProperty.com
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