We all want to own our dream home, but it often takes years to get there. So until we make that dream a reality, we have to make do with renting spaces. We all know how expensive tough and expensive life can be, especially in metropolitan cities. There are flats for sale in Delhi, Mumbai, and other metropolitan cities as renting apartments in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore or any other metropolitan city is tricky because you have to consider many factors before zeroing in on any one place. But fear not! If you are looking to rent an apartment and are unsure how to proceed, here is your guide to renting apartments, the right way.

Money

It is crucial to calculate how much money you can afford to spend on rent, based on your income. Also keep in mind the other parameters, like food cost, travel cost, shopping, other daily expenses, emergency fund, etc.  Life in a metro is unpredictable and it is always advisable to be prepared. Strike the right balance between affordability and luxury.

Location

Location is of prime concern when renting an apartment. Considering the long travel time, even over short distances in Metropolitan cities, owing to the traffic, make sure that it is not too far from your place of work or your kids’ school. Even if it is far, make sure it is accessible to various modes of transport easily.

Brokers

Once you have decided on your favorable location and the amount of money you can part with, it’s time to begin the hunt for an apartment. It’s best to consult a broker or a real estate agent as they will have a bank of available rental spaces, according to your requirements. Also, check online for available spaces in your desired area.  It’s a good idea to make your friends, family, and colleagues know that you are looking for apartments, as we all know recommendations sometimes work wonders.

Thorough Check

After to have zeroed in on the apartment that best suits you, do a thorough check of the house. Ensure it has good ventilation and lighting. Check for any leakages. Make sure all the fans, lights, and switches are working properly.  If you need any additional fixtures, ask if your landlord can provide them. Before signing the contract, read it carefully. If you think your landlord is asking for too much, negotiate.

 Surroundings

Also make sure to check your surroundings and check proximity to bus stops, stations, markets, medical shops, doctor’s clinics, grocery stores, banks, etc. Make sure it’s safe, especially at night times. Talk to your neighbors and ask them if there are any issues in society you should be aware of.

Legality

Sometimes to rent in Metropolitan cities, you are required to submit a NOC Certificate from the local police station. Check with your real estate agent/ broker, the rules and regulations for renting in your locality, and make sure you abide by those rules.

Entertainment

Depending on your lifestyle, make sure to take care of your entertainment and other things that are an indispensable part of your lifestyle. Ensure that movie theatres, pubs, discos, restaurants, shopping malls, sports clubs, swimming pools, dance classes, etc. aren’t too far away. While buying a house, it is necessary to strike the right balance between affordability, essentiality, and luxury.

Patience

Patience is paramount while hunting for apartments in metropolitan cities. It can sometimes take a long time to find an apartment that won’t burn a hole in your pocket and yet tick all the boxes on your wish list. And sometimes when everything is okay, mishaps happen. So be patient and hopeful, while your search is on.