What to check before you rent!
You have started house hunting. You have some criteria in mind, such as the maximum rent your pocket can afford, the neighborhoods you would like to stay in and the specifications of the house.
Spitogatos advises you on the factors you need to consider so that you do not have to look again a month after finding a home.
Run, Forest, run! If you find a listing that interests you, don't waste a minute. Call the advertiser immediately to make an appointment for viewing. It is very likely that if you postpone it for the next day, it will no longer be available, especially in areas with high demand and low real estate supply.
The detail that makes the difference. When visiting the house, you should be very observant and pay attention to details. Start by checking the basics: plumbing, moisture, and mold on the walls and inside the cupboards, any holes, and cracks. Visit the house during the day to see for yourself if it is sunny. Check if it has a secure door and airtight windows so that you do not have heat loss during the winter months.
My beloved neighbors. In order not to be surprised, try to extract information about the neighbors from the previous tenant or, even better, get to know them. Everyone has different expectations from their neighbor depending on their age and marital status. If, for example, you are a student, choose to stay in an apartment building where not many elderly people and families with young children live, so that you do not have to turn off the music at 8 pm. Also, during the house viewing, try to hear if there is noise in the building and focus on the sound insulation of the house. It is a serious reason to reject the house if you can hear the neighbor coughing.
Baby, it’s cold outside. Yes, it's cold in Greece and yes, it would be good to have heating in the house. You need to consider two criteria: heating type and medium. Ask if there are radiators or air conditioners in the house, if the heaters are working properly etc. Autonomous heating system involves more expensive utilities during the winter months, so learn about the amount you will be asked to pay.
Sign carefully. You managed to find a home and the contract procedure starts now. Do not neglect to sign a contract with the owner so that you are legally covered. Read the terms of the contract very carefully and have in mind that standard contracts have been drafted in such a way as to protect the landlords first. For example, they state in one of their terms that the tenant needs written permission from the landlord if he wants to host someone or that damages to the house are the responsibility of the tenant, no matter where they come from.
Rental period plays an important role. Rental contracts have a mandatory duration of 3 years by law. Even if the signed contract is 2 years, the tenant can stay at the rented home for 3 years. If a contract has been signed for more than 3 years, then this period is valid. In case the tenant wants to leave the house before the end of the 3-year period, the owner can claim the rents that he will lose until the end of the 3-year period. It is important to note that the Association for the Protection of Tenants has requested an increase in the minimum rental period to 6 years.
Good luck!
Spitogatos team
