Photos: stock images and a bit of common sense
Before signing a lease, this rental agreement checklist helps you spot risks and red flags you might miss.
Found an apartment? Great location, decent rent, not a total fixer-upper. Ready to sign the lease?
Wait. Check this list first.
Signing a rental agreement without checking the details is like buying a secondhand phone without testing the battery. Looks fine — until it dies on you.
Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly checklist to help you sign your lease safely and avoid those “hidden surprises.”
1. Who’s actually signing the contract?
“The landlord is abroad, so his cousin’s friend is handling things. Just trust us.”
🚩 Not good enough.
✅ Make sure the name on the contract matches the legal property owner.
✅ If someone else is signing — they should show you a power of attorney.
✅ Check their ID (seriously, just ask).
✅ Double-check the address and details.
💡 You can ask for the ownership certificate or verify via your country’s real estate registry.
2. What exactly are you renting?
“The contract says: apartment in ‘good condition’.”
Reality: Mold, cracked tiles, and a toilet seat that should be in a museum.
The agreement should clearly include:
– Full address of the apartment
– Rental term (e.g. May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026)
– Monthly rent + payment due date
– What’s included: Internet? Utilities? Furniture?
📸 Pro tip: Take photos of everything (furniture, appliances, wall cracks) and attach them to the agreement.
3. Who pays for what?
“We didn’t talk about utilities. Now I’m getting bills for past tenants.”
Add a section that says:
– Which utilities you’re responsible for: water, electricity, gas, heating, etc.
– Whether you need to pay building fees or elevator maintenance
– How meter readings are submitted
⚠️ If it’s not written — don’t assume anything.
4. Deposit terms and exit plan
“I left the apartment spotless, but the landlord says he’ll ‘hold the deposit for now’.”
Ask for clear answers to:
– How much is the security deposit?
– When and how is it returned?
– Any penalties for breaking the lease early?
– How much notice is required before moving out (usually 30 days)
📝 These terms should be in writing. Not “we’ll see when the time comes.”
5. The lifestyle fine print
“Signed everything — then found out pets aren’t allowed. The cat’s living with my ex now.”
Before you sign, ask:
– Are pets allowed?
– Can you have guests overnight?
– Is smoking okay?
– Can the landlord enter the flat without notice?
👀 These little details often cause the biggest fights — better to clarify now than argue later.
✅ Final Rental Checklist
- 🧾 You’re signing with the real owner (or verified agent)
- 🏠 Property details and rent terms are clear
- 💸 Utilities and extra fees are explained
- 🔐 Deposit, exit policy, and penalties are included
- 🐶 Lifestyle rules (pets, guests, smoking) are confirmed
Keep this rental agreement checklist before signing anything.
💡 Pro tip from Xmetr:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for documents, or read the fine print three times.
Once you sign — you’re responsible.
🎯 On Xmetr, we’re building tools to make rental agreements safer, smarter, and easier — with verified listings, built-in chat templates, and more coming soon.
Also read our guide on First-Time Apartment Renters: 5 Essential Tips You Can’t Ignore