Furnished Apartments FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to rent a furnished medium/long term apartment, what are the costs involved?
Following is a list in the most common scenario;
- Deposit – One to six months. (Three months is standard)
- Rent in Advance – Initial part month you move in on plus one full month
- Agent Fee – One month rent + 18% GST
- Contract Registration Charges – Approx 30% of monthly rent (One Time)
****Realistically you should budget for 5-6 months of rent to move in.
What documents are required to rent a medium/long term furnished apartment?
- Proof of Employment: LOI from company in India/Abroad
- Residence Proof: Scan or clear hi-resolution photograph of front and back of Driving Licence, Election ID, PAN Card, Aadhar Card
- Passport Information Page: Scan or clear hi-resolution photograph
- Passport Visa Stamp: Scan or clear hi-resolution photograph
If your company is taking care of your apartment needs, we will make contact directly with the company to receive information and save you time and effort.
I cannot find a furnished apartment matching my requirement on the website. Do you have more options?
Yes. Only featured properties are listed on the website. We have an exclusive 500+ private database of properties. We are unable to post all of the available apartments on the website due to changing market scenario. You can always call us at (+91-999-999-5659) or fill our Query Form with your requirements, our team will be happy to assist you with tailored solutions.
When can I view an apartment?
We would be more than happy to arrange a visit to the apartments of your choice! Realistically we will need at least 24 hours notice as our leasing experts are usually booked well in advance. We also need to contact the property owner to fix viewing times and building entry etc. Our office hours are Monday to Saturday 09:30 – 18:30. But we can always take requests for visits on Sundays.
Are pets allowed in my furnished apartment?
This will solely depend on the property owner. Many furnished apartments prefer not to allow pets as it can spoil the furniture and property. Deposit will usually be required to keep a pet. If you have a pet or intend to have one, please inform us before viewing the apartments.
Are utilities such as Internet, Cable/Sky TV, Gas, Water and Electricity included in the rent?
No. Utilities are not included in rent for furnished apartments. These will need to be taken care of separately by the lessee. But In some cases owners can include on request Internet and Cable TV charges in rent.
Do I need to set up utilities such as Gas, Water, Electricity, Internet, Cable TV?
Gas, Water and Electricity are utilities already activated, we take the readings at the time of check in, so that one is charged on actuals. Internet and Cable TV services can be activated in a short span of 2-4 days, our team will be pleased to assist you.
What else do I need to organize for my furnished apartment?
Linen, Kitchenware and other basic things for daily housekeeping, groceries etc have to be arranged. We can suggest shops that can provide you with these essentials. In case you need Housekeeping Support, Laundry Services, Car Rental etc our concierge desk is a call away.
How long does it take to rent an apartment?
Generally speaking you are looking at around 15 working days from the time you contact us. Two to Seven working days to view and find an apartment, five to eight working days for approval and signing of legal contracts and transfer of advance rents and security deposits.
Is it possible to see an apartment before the current tenant moves out?
It depends on case to case, but in most cases can be arranged after taking prior appointments for the same with the help of landlord with current tenants.
How do I terminate my lease contract before it expires?
If the lock-in period has expired and you wish to terminate your contract before it expires, you will be required to give the owner or real estate manager a notice as detailed in lease contract in advance. Notices in document/email form are required from one to two months in advance depending on the contract. You will be required to pay the rent if a notice is not served in time.
In case you are terminating the lease contract within the lock-in period, than you have to pay the lease rent for the balance period of lock-in. Please be clear with the leasing consultant about termination clauses before signing the lease.
Can I renew the lease contract?
Lease contracts can usually be renewed if requests are made well in advance, but will require a contract renewal. This will incur a stamp duty fee and a registration charge. However, in some cases the lease will be fixed and cannot be renewed. Contract renewal differs from property to property and are at the sole discretion of the owner. Please confirm with the leasing expert before signing the lease.
Is it necessary for me to have a company lease in order to sign up?
Yes, in most cases the owners require a company lease i.e. your company will enter into lease agreement and rent will also be paid directly. In the case you do not have a company lease than owners demand for other documents to support your request like comfort letter from your existing company, last Income Tax Returns, Salary Certificate, references from last house you rented etc to see that you have a strong financial background and there will be no defaults.
When is rent due?
Rent is payable in advance at the starting of the month. This is usually to be paid at the starting by 7th of every month.
How much is the Agent/Professional fee?
The industry standard professional fee for you to hire your relocation expert/agent is equivalent to one month’s rent plus 18% GST. Generally, the fees paid includes service of introducing suitable apartments/homes, processing paperwork, including applying for utility services.
What is security deposit?
It is a payment required for a new tenant to pay the owner at the time of signing of the lease contract to cover any non payment of rent, outstanding utilities payments, cleaning fees and any damages to the property beyond normal wear and tear. The tenant can claim back this money at the end of the contract. In many cases, upon signing the contract, the new tenant usually pays two to three months’ security deposit. This deposit can also go up to a maximum of 6 months, depending on individual owners. This applies to both Indian and Expats looking to rent a property.
What is a maintenance fee?
Maintenance fee is a fee charged to common occupants in a building for common services. This is usually applicable to apartment buildings that have a Concierge, Rubbish Rooms, Swimming Pools or Gardens, Security, Lift Maintenance etc. It is common for apartment buildings that have shared areas and is not negotiable.
What is the Fire Insurance, Home Insurance Fee for?
Is any inventory taken for furniture, fittings and fixtures?
Yes at the time of taking possession a annexure is made and signed by both the parties detailing all furniture, fixtures and fittings and is inspected to see they are in good condition.
Do I have to pay for maintenance of the fitting, fixtures, white good like AC, washing machine etc?
Normally one has to pay for day to day maintenance unless included in the contract. In case of replacements required in normal course of usage, they are paid by owner. In case of willful, careless damages one has to get replacements at ones cost or pay from deposits.
When I move out, do I have to pay a cleaning fee?
In India, when you move out of the apartment, normally you are not charged any cleaning fee. Some property owners insist on it and one has to go by what has been settled at the time of signing of the contract. If you are in India, normal wear and tear is borne by the property owner, but you will be liable for any damage. There is no regulation governing the same but the owner can only charge directly applicable and reasonable damage.
The following are examples of what damage you will be responsible to pay for:
- Holes and hooks in the wall for pictures/drawings
- Painting a wall in a different color
- Scratches on the floor with heavy furniture
- Leaving the damage (even natural one) and as a result the damage gets bigger
Even if the above are by accident, you will be charged for repair upon move-out.
How will I get the security deposit back, hope there are no problems?
One is legally bound to return security deposit after expiry of contract and the property owner cannot unreasonably over charge for damages and cleaning (if applicable). If there are any damages and cleaning fee, they will be deducted from the deposit. One has to pay for damages that have happened and are not caused by “normal wear n tear”. Normally the terms of the lease mentions in case of default in timely payments of security deposits penalties in the form of interest and continuing to hold possession in case of delay in payments of security deposits.