Renting a house or flat: a tenant's checklist for Kerala

Finding a house to rent in a small town is often done through word of mouth and a quick visit. That works, but it is easy to miss things that make daily life hard later. Here is what to check before you agree.

Water

Water is the most important thing to check in Kerala, and the easiest to forget during the monsoon.

• Ask about the source. Is it a well, a borewell, a pipe connection from the water authority or panchayat, or a mix?
• Ask about summer. Many wells run low in April and May. Ask the owner, and if you can, the neighbours, whether water ran short last summer.
• Check the motor and tank. Find out who pays for motor repairs and how often the tank is cleaned.
• Open the taps. Check the pressure in the kitchen and bathrooms, especially in upper-floor flats.

Power

• Check the condition of the switchboards and wiring.
• Ask whether the meter is separate for your portion if the owner lives in the same building.
• Note the meter reading on the day you move in.

The building

• Look up. Damp patches on the ceiling mean roof leaks.
• Look at the walls. Large cracks, peeling paint near the floor and a musty smell all point to dampness.
• Walk the compound. Check drainage, where rainwater goes, and whether the approach road floods.
• Check doors and windows. Make sure they close and lock properly, and that windows have grills and mosquito mesh if you want them.

The area

• Visit in the evening as well as during the day.
• Find the nearest grocery shop, hospital, school and bus stop.
• Ask about waste collection. Many panchayats and municipalities have a collection system, and some charge a small monthly fee.

Rules and expectations

Every owner has expectations. Ask about them openly so there are no surprises:

• Are bachelors, pets or frequent guests allowed?
• Is there a gate closing time?
• Can you hang clothes on the terrace or in the compound?
• Does the owner live on the premises?

Money

• The advance. Agree on the amount and how it will be returned. Pay by bank transfer or UPI and get a receipt.
• The rent. Agree on the due date and how you will pay.
• Extra costs. Ask about electricity, water, waste collection and any maintenance charges.

The agreement

Sign a written rental agreement, even for a family home rented from someone you know. It should state the rent, advance, period, notice period and what happens to the advance at the end. Our guide to rental agreements in Kerala explains what to include.

On moving day

Take photos and a short video of every room, note the meter readings, and share them with the owner on WhatsApp. That simple record settles most questions when you move out.