Important Notes to Consider Before Renting a House

Important Notes to Consider Before Renting a House

 

Things to Keep in Mind When Renting a House

Renting a house is an important decision that requires tenants to carefully research related factors such as the rental contract, attached terms and conditions, rental price, and more — in order to compare and choose the most suitable option.

Things to Keep in Mind When Renting a House – Researching the Landlord

Before meeting the landlord, you can look up information online to learn some basic personal details and review their rental history on listing websites. It’s also helpful to ask people living nearby for more insight into the landlord’s personality or reputation.

When meeting in person to discuss the rental agreement, tenants should pay attention to the following documents:

• Property ownership certificate issued by the authorities, or a power of attorney (if the house is rented through an agent or intermediary).

• Landlord’s identification documents, which help the tenant verify the landlord’s information and make it easier to complete the lease contract or handle any potential disputes later on.

Carefully Review the Rental Contract

Before signing a lease agreement, tenants should thoroughly read and understand all the terms and conditions stated in the contract. This allows them to request any necessary changes or adjustments to ensure fairness and to avoid potential disputes later on.
Key details to pay attention to include:

• Information about both parties: Details of the landlord and the tenant.

• Contract duration: The start and end dates of the lease.

• Financial terms: Clarify all issues related to the security deposit, such as the deposit amount, refund conditions, termination policies, and what happens if the landlord reclaims the property before the lease ends.

• Expense-related clauses: Identify who is responsible for paying electricity, water, garbage, and internet fees, and for repair costs during the rental period.

  • If renting an apartment, make sure to review additional charges like management fees, maintenance costs, reception, and common area lighting.

Inspect the Living Conditions of the Rental Property

When renting a house, tenants should first determine their purpose of renting to choose a property that best fits their needs.

In terms of living conditions, consider the following:

• Check whether the house has basic amenities such as a cooking area, bathroom, and laundry space.

• Inspect if the bathroom or shower requires repair or maintenance.

• Confirm whether there is a parking space available or if you’ll need to park elsewhere.

• Test electrical appliances to see if any need fixing or replacement.

• Ask whether facilities like the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry area are shared with others.

Pay Attention to Curfew and House Rules

When renting a house, tenants should take note of the curfew or daily time restrictions set by the landlord or the neighborhood. This helps ensure a comfortable living arrangement and prevents unnecessary conflicts.

Compare Rental Prices in Different Areas

Before making a decision, it’s advisable to research rental prices across different districts.

• High-rent areas: Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, and Tay Ho districts.

Check the Surrounding Environment

It’s always helpful to seek advice from previous tenants and carefully research the neighborhood around the property before moving in. This helps avoid future inconveniences and allows you to choose a place that best fits your lifestyle.

It’s a good idea to visit the area several times to assess the following:

• Transportation accessibility: Choose a location near main roads for easier commuting to work, school, or other frequent destinations.

• Security and safety: Avoid areas with poor public order or social problems such as drug use, gang activity, or prostitution.

• Living environment: Opt for neighborhoods that are clean, well-maintained, and free from pollution caused by nearby factories or construction projects. A quiet area is ideal for maintaining peace of mind.

• Public amenities:

  • For students or office workers — check if the rental property is near your school, workplace, or bus stops.

  • For families — look for proximity to markets, supermarkets, and schools for your children.

Ask Local Residents About the Property

One of the most reliable ways to gather information is to talk to people living nearby. Local residents can often provide honest and trustworthy insights about the landlord, neighborhood safety, and overall living conditions.

Common Risks Tenants May Encounter

Even after careful research, some issues may still arise once you’ve moved in. Below are some common problems tenants should be aware of:

• Be cautious when sharing a rental:
  Sharing accommodation helps reduce costs but can also cause inconvenience — such as lack of privacy or disputes over shared property or utilities.
  Therefore, it’s important to verify information about your potential roommates and carefully consider whether they are compatible to live with.