What to look for when renting an apartment. How to rent an apartment? Apartment rental agreement - sample. Legal regulation of rental of residential premises between individuals

What documents are needed when renting an apartment? from the owner? When found suitable option housing, it remains to make sure that all the papers are available. From the landlord's side definitely worth checking out:

The last of these papers must be studied especially carefully.

If, for example, the property was transferred by inheritance the lessor recently, that is, there is a danger that heirs will appear ready to challenge it.

Disputed housing is a big problem for the tenant.

From the employer

What documents need to be checked when renting an apartment? from the tenant? The owner of a rental property has the right to demand certain documents from the applicant for its use.

In general, a passport is sufficient. It is used in most cases to establish identity.

Most likely, no other papers will be required.

Check what?

What additional things should you check when renting an apartment? Both when studying the housing itself and when checking documents, you should pay attention to some points:

In addition, it is necessary to check the distance of housing from a bus stop, metro, shops, etc.

Paperwork

What documents need to be completed when renting a residential property? The fact of renting an apartment is definitely worth it put it in writing. For this they make up:

  • . The main document that sets out all the fundamental provisions important for the parties. It is he who is the main one for concluding a housing rental transaction;
  • . Necessary for written reflection of the fact of transfer Money to the landlord. If payment is made by bank transfer, then a receipt is not required;
  • premises. Compiled as confirmation of the fact of transfer of the apartment for use to the tenant;
  • an inventory of the property in the apartment.

    It is drawn up in order to avoid disputes when returning the apartment to the landlord regarding the condition and availability of property in it.

    All pieces of furniture and other things located in the premises are included in it, and the inventory is signed by the parties to the transaction.

Despite the apparent complexity, these papers are compiled quite quickly and will secure from fraud on both sides of the transaction.

In the future, you may need a conclusion that states, for example, the terms and conditions of the contract.

Are copies needed?

Copies of the papers drawn up when renting an apartment are not needed.

Initially, you should prepare all the papers in duplicate, one for the tenant, the second for the lessor.

This will protect the parties and in case of loss or loss of one contract, it will help preserve the second copy.

Thus, to conclude a rental agreement it is necessary check documents, both on the one hand and on the other.

A transaction is required when renting an apartment put in writing in the form of an agreement and other relevant additions. Exclusively correct drafting of them can protect against fraudsters and secure the rights and obligations of the parties.

How often do we hear stories when someone, trying to rent an apartment, finds an excellent description with colorful photographs, but upon arriving at the place, they discover shabby walls and a “killed” bathroom in a house located half an hour from the metro.

Many people have friends or friends of friends who were simply scammed into renting: they showed the apartment, took a deposit and rent for the first and last month, even gave them the keys. However, upon returning to the apartment, it was discovered that the key no longer fit and the door was tightly closed. The owner with the money evaporates, and the tenant is left almost literally with nothing.

We often hear stories from TV screens about unscrupulous realtors who, promising to find an apartment, take an advance payment from the client, show him several options that absolutely do not correspond to the description and then declare that the terms of the contract have been fulfilled and continue to search for a suitable apartment, and even more so, return no one is collecting money.

No matter how much is said about standard schemes of deception and fraud, Russians continue to get into trouble with enviable consistency. AiF.ru is once again trying to help its readers with advice on how to avoid getting into trouble when renting an apartment. For help, we turned to experts from companies who have been conscientiously helping tenants and landlords find each other for years.

Treaty as a panacea

All experts noted the importance of the apartment rental agreement, which is often drawn up incorrectly, and in some cases it is even neglected, relying on the good faith of the owner of the living space.

“Drawing up a lease agreement is an important stage of the transaction. Without this document, all agreements will remain in words, and there is no protection against the tricks of unscrupulous partners. It is extremely important to draw up the rental agreement correctly, in which case the client will have a document that will allow him to defend his interests. In the rental market, this is a very important condition - in the network of unscrupulous partners there are people who decided to save money on this service and did not enter into an agreement (or entered into one with violations). A striking example: a person rents an apartment without checking whether the person who introduced himself as the owner of the apartment has the right to rent it out. For example, if children, wanting to take revenge on their parents, offer housing for rent, or these are people who have nothing to do with the apartment being rented,” I’m sure Head of the city real estate and rental department of the NDV-Real Estate company Svetlana Birina.

You can find it on the Internet a large number of standard apartment rental agreements, which are often used by the tenant and the owner of the apartment when concluding a transaction. Experts advise checking such an agreement in any case. AiF.ru told readers about what must be reflected in the document Kirill Kokorin, legal consultant of the apartment rental department "INCOM-Real Estate":

“In order for the rental agreement signed by the parties to be recognized as valid, it must indicate the essential conditions:

1. The name of the residential premises being leased, its characteristics and exact address.

2. Accurate passport details of the tenant and the lessor.

3. Data from documents confirming the ownership rights of the lessor.

4. The amount of rent for an apartment, the procedure and terms of payment.

5. Duration of the rental agreement. If the rental period is not specified, the contract will be considered concluded for 5 years.

6. Data of citizens who will live with the employer.

7. Signatures of the parties to the rental agreement.

However, it is necessary to provide for other at least important conditions this document, such as the procedure and grounds for early termination of the contract at the initiative or fault of any of the parties; rights and obligations of the parties; liability of the parties both for defects and for damage caused; penalties for the tenant and the lessor; procedure and grounds for settling damage caused to the owner’s property; payments and payment procedure for housing and communal services; guarantees of the parties; the procedure for notifying the parties, indicating the addresses for notification; possibility of keeping pets; responsibility and procedure for resolving damage caused to neighbors; prohibition or right for a tenant to rent out an apartment under a sublease agreement to third parties; procedure for resolving disputes and some others.”

Cheap means cheerful

Also, when searching for an apartment to rent on your own, experts advise paying attention to the rental price. In most cases, unjustified low price is fraught with some kind of catch.

“If you choose an apartment on your own, carefully study the price situation on the market. An attractively cheap offer is usually just a lure. When viewing the apartment and concluding the deal, relax, do not be nervous, focus as much as possible on the documents and the lease agreement, and carefully inspect the apartment for any defects. Do not react to the state of nervousness artificially created by many owners and unscrupulous agents, thanks to which the client will quickly inspect everything and give the money,” advises Managing Director of the MIEL-Arenda company Natalya Sivko.

“Obviously, housing that is rented out at low rates has certain disadvantages. For example, low quality of the property (old house, lack of renovation, furniture or household appliances) or poor location (far from a metro station, near a train station or market). Also, the cost reduction is facilitated by the condition of prepayment for a long period (six months, a year) or short term rental (housing is often rented out for the summer). You need to focus on average rates, the description of the property in the ad, try to find out the details in a telephone conversation and only then go for viewing,” confirms Galina Kiseleva, director of the apartment rental department at INCOM-Real Estate.

Keys in the morning, money in the evening

Experts advise not to pay realtors in advance, but to pay the apartment owner only after the apartment has been thoroughly inspected and all the disadvantages have been recorded on paper and signed by the owner.

“There are cases when a tenant looks at an apartment, pays a deposit to book the apartment, and sets a date for the transaction, but the landlord disappears or refuses to return the deposit, but does not go through with the deal. But by working with an agent, you can save yourself from such situations: the company takes on all the hassle. It is best to contact large agencies that have successfully proven themselves in the market and can offer a full range of services,” explains Svetlana Birina.

The safest thing, all experts say, is to work with a realtor. But even among them there are unscrupulous ones.

“The main rule that a tenant working with a realtor needs to remember is not to pay money up front. Payment for a realtor’s services for a completed transaction always occurs after, and not before, the start of work, that is, when he has fulfilled his obligations to the client,” advises Natalya Sivko.

Today it is very popular to rent a house. Many Russians do not have the opportunity to buy a new apartment. Many families are moving to big cities, students are going to study, marriages are breaking up. How to rent an apartment correctly so as not to be deceived, how to draw up a tenancy agreement, how to avoid falling for “black” realtors, how to move into an apartment that will satisfy you in all respects can be found out by reading this article.

Renting an apartment - what is it?

Buying an apartment today is very expensive pleasure, the most expensive apartments are located in major cities, which is why many go the route of renting a home.

A residential lease is an agreement in which the landlord agrees to provide residential property to the tenant for personal use, and the latter agrees to pay for it.

People who intend to rent an apartment should learn to understand the terminology of this market. The parties to the transaction are the tenant and the lessor. Tenant - it can be either a legal entity or an individual to whom the property is transferred for personal use for a certain period of time. Both residents of the Russian Federation and citizens or organizations of other states can rent an apartment. Lessor - it can be either a legal entity or an individual who provides real estate for use for a certain period. The lessor must be the owner of housing or real estate, or authorized persons vested with this right.

Each participant in the transaction has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits for the tenant:

  • the opportunity to choose affordable housing;
  • carrying out major works or household problems (plumbing, windows, electrical) is the responsibility of the landlord;
  • there is no need for additional costs for furniture and household appliances.

Disadvantages for the tenant:

  • psychological discomfort from someone else’s home (feeling “like being a guest”, there is no desire to invest money on home improvement);
  • additional costs associated with the costs of paying for the services of realtors.

The advantage for the landlord is additional income.

Disadvantages for the landlord:

  • problems with tenants (small children, animals, unscrupulous payers);
  • apartment care (cleanliness, order, cosmetic repairs after a change of tenants);
  • possible problems with the apartment through no fault of the tenant (leaking pipes, problems with electrical wiring, resolving conflicts with neighbors).

Renting a home through a real estate agency

A real estate agency is an organization that accompanies transactions related to real estate. Agencies deal with both the purchase and sale of housing and support of rental transactions.

The advantage of the agency is that the organization has a huge database for every taste and budget. The future tenant receives a larger selection of offers and can choose housing that is convenient based on location, contents of the apartment, and price. The important point is that with the help of an agency, there is less chance of falling for scammers or having legal problems, because professionals know all the nuances when renting an apartment.

The real estate agency will take on some of the problems of renting housing, namely:

  • will pick up the best option at the request of the client;
  • prepare a lease agreement;
  • will review all title documents and verify the legality of the transaction;
  • will act as an intermediary between the tenant and the landlord regarding prepayment for housing;
  • will discuss all the nuances regarding the future transaction;

The list of realtor services is specified in the service agreement; each agency provides its own range of services, which are specified in the document.

The agent's remuneration may vary depending on the specialist's reputation, experience and qualifications. This is usually a percentage of the monthly rent payment. The remuneration amount can reach 100% of the monthly rent.

When contacting a real estate agency, be sure to sign a service agreement. The contract specifies the amount of the transaction, as well as the time frame within which the desired option will be selected.

What to look for when renting an apartment through an agency

  • do not make an advance payment, pay only for services actually performed;
  • all remunerations are specified in the contract before the start of the service, where the agent’s data is entered;
  • pay attention to the clauses in the agreement about penalties against the company or agents, this indicates that the company takes its obligations seriously;
  • pay attention to the company’s experience; the longer the agency exists on the market, the better for the client.

Some unscrupulous agencies have the following fraud scheme: an agreement is concluded with the client, on the basis of which the agency provides the addresses of apartments, for which the customer makes payment before receiving them. In fact, it may turn out that these addresses do not exist or the apartment is not for rent.

What to look for when renting an apartment if you are searching on your own?

Inspection of future housing should not end with inspection of the apartment. In order for the choice to be successful, certain inspection rules must be followed. Note:

  • which side do the windows face;
  • what floor is in the house;
  • by type of house (Khrushchev, high-rise building, new building, etc.);
  • what is the condition of the courtyard area, entrance and staircase;
  • what kind of neighbors live;
  • how developed is the infrastructure;
  • remoteness of public transport.

What to pay attention to

What to look for when renting an apartment? There are some other points worth paying attention to:

  • how comfortable was the communication with the owner of the apartment;
  • on the quality of window blocks;
  • for the work of electrical wiring, gas and water supply;
  • where are the valves, meters, telephone numbers of dispatch services (in case of an emergency).

How to rent an apartment correctly so as not to be deceived

Searching for an apartment on your own is possible, but you should remember that scammers are not asleep! What should you pay attention to when renting an apartment so as not to run into trouble? To do this, you need to know fraudulent schemes and be prepared for them.

In the media you can come across many advertisements about apartments for rent. But a bona fide owner is not always hidden behind the ad. This could be the imaginary author, as well as the owner who can sublease the apartment (that is, the apartment has already been rented out). How to check an apartment when renting and what to pay attention to.

Deception schemes:

  1. Sublease. You may come across scammers who rent out an apartment in which the owner moved them. Renting occurs without notifying the owner, often for a larger amount.
  2. Apartment for a day. Scammers are filming daily apartment, while placing an advertisement for rent on long term. Having paid the scammers a month's rent, you may be faced with the fact that the owner may come in the morning and the apartment will have to be vacated.
  3. Apartment reservation. Fraudsters post advertisements for apartments and leave minimal contact information. After receiving an advance payment for the reservation, contacts become unavailable.
  4. There are a lot of people willing. The scheme is that an apartment is simultaneously rented to several clients on an advance payment basis. Residents will be disappointed upon arrival.
  5. Imaginary owner. From the name of this scheme, it becomes clear that the person renting out the apartment has neither the rights to it nor the name by which he introduced himself. At the same time, they can show you all the documents for housing and personal data, but they will be fake.
  6. Change in cost. The tenant may be faced with increased rent costs. If an agreement has not been concluded, this situation can happen to anyone, literally the next month after moving in.
  7. Rent without approval. If there are several apartment owners, there is always a chance of losing the deposit if one of them refuses. It is possible to insure yourself by writing down these clauses in the contract.
  8. Repairs on rent. The scam involves asking the tenant to make repairs to the apartment in exchange for rent, often costing more than the monthly payment. Upon completion of the renovation, the apartment owner finds reasons to ask the tenants to move out.

Rules for renting housing

You will learn how to check an apartment when renting so that your choice matches your wishes by studying a number of basic rules that lawyers advise you to adhere to.

Rule No. 1. Use the services of professionals.

Various fraud schemes that may await a future tenant have been outlined above, so it is better to use the services of a real estate agency, where competent specialists will select the option you are interested in, check the legality of the transaction and legally accompany you in all details. But it should be remembered that not only people, but also organizations can deceive.

Rule No. 2. Checking title documents.

What documents should I check when renting an apartment? An important aspect here is the conclusion of a rental agreement, to which copies of all title documents for the apartment are attached, as well as the tenant’s passport details. Title documents include a certificate of state registration of the right to an apartment. Pay attention to the number of owners per apartment, since there may be several owners. Other owners do not always agree with renting out the apartment. Ask for a utility bill receipt that shows who the bills are in. Registration in an apartment is not proof of ownership - remember this.

Rule No. 3: Get to know your neighbors.

This rule has a number of advantages: firstly, the neighbors know whose apartment this is, and secondly, you can get a lot of what you need, additional information, for example, how often tenants change, who previously lived in this apartment, and much more.

Rule No. 4. Contractual relations.

Be sure to draw up a rental agreement, this is what you should pay attention to when renting an apartment first! In it, discuss the amount, the transferred property, payment terms, and the deadline for concluding the contract. If you don’t have a form at hand, you can write the agreement by hand, but the paper needs to be certified by both parties. The agreement is concluded for a period of less than a year with the right to extend; otherwise, such an agreement is subject to mandatory state registration.

Rule No. 5. Inventory of property.

After concluding the contract, it is necessary to draw up an inventory of the transferred property (or include it as an appendix to the contract). is needed so that questions do not arise: “Where did the TV go from the kitchen?” All property leased is included in the inventory. You can also indicate the condition of the property.

Rule No. 6. Interaction with the landlord.

Be sure to discuss how and when the tenant will check the apartment. The contract should indicate that major repairs and work after accidents (for example, pipe leaks) are the responsibility of the lessor. Otherwise, there may be two options: either you will wait a long time for the owner to correct the situation, or you will repair it at your own expense.

Rule No. 7. Early termination.

Be sure to indicate in the contract the conditions for early termination of the contract on both sides. This usually involves warning one party or another for certain time before leaving.

Rent a room in a communal apartment

It is possible to rent out a room in a communal apartment. Here we will consider two options. The first is that if the room is privatized, then the owner has the right to do whatever he wants with the room within the limits of the law. There are certain rules for renting a room in a communal apartment. The owner must obtain the consent of other residents to rent out the room; this procedure is not mandatory, but is recommended for comfortable living with neighbors. In addition, rules for the use of common areas are discussed. For the peace of mind of neighbors, the conditions for visiting guests are discussed.

The peculiarity of renting an apartment in a communal apartment is its square footage. The law establishes that 12 square meters are allocated for one person, that is, when two people move into such a square footage, neighbors have the right to go to court with a claim for infringement of the rights of other residents.

The second option, if the apartment is not privatized, then the procedure becomes more complicated. In order to rent out a room, you must obtain permission from the municipal authority, and it is also mandatory to obtain the consent of neighbors living in a communal apartment.

A contract for renting a room in a communal apartment has its own nuances, since third parties are involved. The document must specify all living conditions, rules of conduct (returning home, bringing guests, when noise is prohibited, etc.). The contract also stipulates the rules for using common areas (toilet, bathroom, kitchen, corridor). It is advisable to include the consent of the neighbors in the form of signatures in the contract.

Renting an apartment for a long time

The rules for renting an apartment for a long term include a mandatory inspection of the apartment for suitability for habitation. It is mandatory to check window units, gas and electrical equipment, the condition of pipes and plumbing. It is necessary to take care of emergency telephone numbers.

What should you check when renting an apartment for a long term? Typically, such living space is rented with furniture and appliances, so an important point is to include all appliances, furniture and utensils in the inventory, so that when you leave you are not presented with a bill for a non-existent microwave.

Be sure to discuss when the tenant needs to be granted access to the apartment. It will be unpleasant if, in the absence of residents, the owner wants to check the order in the house.

The rules for renting an apartment for a long period dictate that you pay attention to the terms of payment for utility bills. If they need to be paid in addition to rent, inquire, or better yet, personally verify the monthly payments for the apartment. If 8 people are registered in the apartment and meters are not installed for the apartment, you may end up with unpleasant amounts on the receipt. Therefore, be sure to check all meter readings and record the data in the contract. You can also find out possible debt on utility bills; to do this, you need to contact the relevant institutions that service this residential complex.

At the end of the lease agreement, the lessor will check the property transferred to the tenant according to the inventory. In case of damage, the tenant is obliged to compensate for the damage incurred either by monetary compensation or by independently correcting the problems.

Apartment rental agreement

An apartment rental agreement is the main document that will protect both parties from controversial situations. What documents need to be checked when renting an apartment were written above, but let’s take a closer look at what the landlord must provide:

  • Certificate of state registration of property.
  • Certificate of inherited property.
  • Donation agreement.
  • Contract of sale.

The documents verify the real estate object itself (its address), as well as the presence of owners. If there is only one owner, request an identification document (passport, driver's license). If there are several owners, then in addition to confirming their identity, it is necessary to obtain the consent of other owners to move in.

The standard contract form includes 8-9 main sections. Lawyers advise paying attention to the following nuances when drawing up a contract:

  • The header of the agreement specifies the details of the tenant and the landlord: full name, passport details, indicating registration. Fill in the place where the contract was concluded and the date of conclusion.
  • The first section is the subject of the agreement. This states that the landlord transfers and the tenant accepts the property for use. The section specifies the data of the transferred object. Its address, certificate of ownership data, number of floors, footage, number of rooms.
  • Second section - general provisions. The section states that the apartment is rented with the property that is listed in the inventory. It is stated that the apartment does not have any encumbrances (arrest, pledge), the moment of handing over the keys, and the persons who will live with the tenant are discussed.
  • The third section specifies the rights and obligations of the parties. Typically, the landlord's obligations consist of handing over the apartment in a condition suitable for habitation; the rights of the landlord to verify the integrity of his property and compliance with order in the apartment are described. The tenant's responsibilities include paying rent on time, maintaining the property in order, and providing access to the apartment at the request of the landlord. The section also discusses obligations to compensate for damage caused to property during residence, and distributes obligations to fulfill repair work(capital, current, emergency).
  • The contract should include terms for terminating the contract. Termination can be by agreement of the parties, or by a court decision, or in case of non-compliance with the clauses in the contract.
  • One of the important sections is the cost and payment procedure. This indicates the amount of monthly rent for housing, payment terms and payment procedure. Also, if a deposit has been made or an advance payment has been made, this must be recorded in the document. In the same section it is necessary to specify the terms of payment for utility bills, telephone bills, gas, Internet and more.
  • A section with the term of the contract must be mandatory. You should not enter into an agreement for a period of more than one year, since such agreements are subject to mandatory state registration and entry into the register. Typically, the contract is concluded for a period of 11 months with the right to prolongation (extension for the next period). The conditions for early termination should also be indicated. It is necessary to indicate how many days before moving out of the apartment one of the parties must be notified. It is also advisable to indicate the percentage of penalties for early termination.
  • Other conditions include various aspects, for example, force majeure, compensation for damage, accidental loss of property and more are discussed. The number of copies of the contract is also specified.
  • The details of the parties should include all the details of the tenant and the landlord. Passport details, residential address and contacts.

The agreement is drawn up in two copies, one for each party. The agreement is signed by two participants and from that moment the transaction receives legal status.

Fresh renovation, cleanliness, a smiling and friendly owner and, most importantly, a very attractive price - all this is by no means a reason for a tenant looking for housing to immediately move into an apartment, much less pay a deposit three months in advance. The RIA Real Estate website has collected five expert tips that will allow you to learn about the intricacies of renting and not be left with your nose, and what’s more, on the street.

Check the documents for the apartment

There are several types of fraudulent activities on the part of landlords that all those who are looking for rental housing should be aware of.

For example, says Maria Baskova, head of the rental department of the ABC Zhilya company, in rental relations there is such a thing as subleasing of housing - when the tenant rents out the apartment to third parties, of course, without informing the owner. According to the agency's interlocutor, in in this case The scammer rents an apartment by the day, say, for seven days. During this time, he manages to resell it to several employers at a price significantly lower than the market price, but, having received an advance payment for several months, disappears. Failed apartment tenants are left without money and without housing.

The means of “self-defense” in this case are quite banal and simple. In order not to fall for a scammer, before paying money, make sure that the apartment belongs to the owner, insists Vadim Cherdantsev, senior lawyer of the Land. Real Estate. Construction practice of the Cliff law firm. "Such information can be obtained on the basis of an extract from the Unified State Register of Rights to Real Estate. To obtain it, you need to submit a corresponding request to the territorial division of the Office of the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography or (Rosreestr), pay 200 rubles of state duty and wait only 5 days. In Moscow, you can also contact a multifunctional center; any citizen can request an extract,” explains the lawyer.

When renting an apartment, the tenant also has the right to demand a passport from the owner, and, after checking the documents for the apartment, conclude a rental agreement with the owner of the apartment, which must specify the main wishes, requirements and responsibilities of the parties, adds Baskova. And, of course, you only need to give money against a receipt, she emphasizes.

How to properly draw up a rental agreement. Advice >>>

Specify the rental period in the contract

“In the spring-summer period, with the appearance of seasonal apartments on the rental market, there are owners who give out the rental of their seasonal apartment for an apartment that is rented for a long time. As a result, the tenant is forced, after a few months, to look for housing again and move,” leads Baskov is another example of a tenant being deceived.

In order to avoid such an unpleasant situation, you must immediately insist on concluding a written contract indicating the terms of employment.

By the way, Cherdantsev notes, if the term is not reflected in the rental agreement, it is considered to be concluded for five years. After the conclusion of the contract, the owner will no longer be able to simply kick out the tenant and terminate the contract. In case of any disagreement between the parties, the contract is terminated only in court, the lawyer clarifies.

Don't go to view an apartment alone

Be friendly, but keep your distance from the owner

As for the behavior of the employer, according to Baskova, there is no need to invent anything or specially adapt to the landlord, the main thing is to be calm and friendly. “Never react violently to possible changes in the price or rental terms; if you structure the conversation correctly and calmly, the result, as a rule, will be in your favor,” Baskova is convinced.

Gutsu advises the employer to treat rented apartment, as if it were your own, don’t be afraid to nail down a shelf or call a plumber again. But what exactly is not needed, in her opinion, is excessive attention, tea parties and gifts to the owner of the apartment. As in any business, in rental relations it is important to show yourself as responsible, diligent, with a good memory, but at the same time “keep your distance,” the realtor notes.

Modern society is characterized by high mobility. We don’t sit still: after school we go to study in another region, change jobs, start a family away from our parents, move from city to city in search of self-realization and personal prospects. The saying: “Where you were born, you are useful” has long been considered an anachronism. By easily changing their place of residence, people are forced to look for housing for a long and very long period. We will talk about how to rent an apartment correctly...

1.Consult professionals

Of course, the best thing to do would be to contact an agency, where a specially trained person will help you with selecting an apartment and preparing primary documents. Only agency services can be equal to 50% or 100% of the monthly payment for the found apartment. And don’t forget that in the real estate market there are a lot of one-day agencies that work according to the “prepayment - information” scheme. That is, you pay for a piece of paper with the addresses of apartments for rent, the owners of which often do not even know that their apartment is “for rent.” Apartment scammers, especially in the metropolis, are a dime a dozen, and new rental fraud schemes are emerging all the time.

2.Check documents

If you are lucky enough to find a landlord on your own, without intermediaries, then immediately ask if he agrees to draw up a rental agreement and provide everything Required documents? If the owner of the apartment hesitates and tries to assure you of his integrity, it is better to refuse such a deal. I'll explain why...

First of all, you need to find out whether the owner of the apartment is real. It often happens that several people are registered in an apartment, and when one decides to rent out this living space without the knowledge of the other, the second has every right to raise the issue of your eviction at any time. By the way, the owner of the rented apartment is by no means a king and a god rolled into one. All his and your rights and obligations are regulated in legislative acts.

Secondly, there is a fraudulent sublease scheme that falls for those who do not check the owner’s documents and take their word for it. Imagine that a certain citizen X rents an apartment for a week from citizen Y. And after a couple of days, he re-rents it for six months to citizen Z. He asks him for an advance payment for three to four months in advance (for example, to pay off utility debts) and disappears. And after a while Y comes and absolutely legally and with a scandal drives the unfortunate and short-sighted Z out onto the street. Therefore, first of all, ask to see documents on ownership or a deed of purchase and sale, utility bills in the name of the landlord and check his personal documents (not only a passport, but also, for example, a driver’s license). Because forging one document is not difficult, but several are too troublesome. A dishonest businessman will most likely refuse your request to check your documents.

3.Meet your neighbors

Be sure to ask the owner to introduce you to the neighbors. Here it will definitely become clear whether this is his apartment. Find out from them the history of this housing: who lived before you, how often the tenants change here - believe me, the neighbors are often very interesting information. If the house is new, then it’s absolutely not scary if you go to the local housing office and check the owner’s name with strict, but responsive to chocolate and compliments, aunties.

4.Draw up an agreement

If all issues regarding ownership and the identity of the owner are settled, be sure to offer to draw up a rental agreement for the apartment. Even a document written in one’s own hand and signed by both parties (and, ideally, in front of a witness) has legal force. Advice: if the landlord is afraid of going to the notary, then in the contract indicate the rental period for no more than 364 days, that is, less than a year.

The rental agreement must contain passport details of both parties, information about the apartment (address, square footage, condition), rental period, cost and method of payment. Often owners ask to pay a month in advance. You should write about this too. The constancy of the fee amounts is legally implied for the entire period specified in the contract.

5.Describe the property

Do not forget to make an inventory of the property and its condition in addition to the contract. Otherwise, it will be difficult to prove later that there was no TV in the kitchen, and the sofa was stripped not by your children, but by time and the previous tenants. If you decide to move in seriously and for a long time, ask the owner for written permission to make minor changes to the interior (for example, driving nails into the wall for a favorite painting), this will save you from many misunderstandings.

6. Rights and obligations of the parties

According to domestic legislation, all ongoing repairs of housing, for example, leaking taps, falling off wallpaper or a cracked toilet, fall on the shoulders of the landlord. Therefore, be sure to indicate that troubleshooting will be carried out at the expense of the apartment owner, for example, as a monthly payment. Otherwise, you will be forced to fix the leak in the bathroom at your own expense, or wait for this mercy from the landlord. The owner has the right to check the condition of his home, but this does not mean that he can come without your knowledge or whenever he pleases - specify when and how you will contact.

7.End of lease

And, of course, stipulate the conditions for early termination of the contract. As a rule, we are talking about a month's notice about eviction. By the way, there is no reason to evict you before the end of even such a homemade contract during the heating season. Well, unless you trashed the apartment, don’t pay rent, and are generally a big sociopath, dangerous to others. Then, through the court(!), you can be kicked out into the cold. Keeping your housing in order, not delaying payment, taking into account the rules of human society and adhering to the laws is your responsibility.

Renting an apartment is not difficult, it is difficult to do it correctly. Be vigilant, patient and respect each other!