THE FIRST APARTMENT OF YOUR CHECKLIST AND TIPS

 

Every young person can reach a point in their lives where the cry for freedom becomes stronger. The first step is to get your apartment. But, since this route can be very bumpy, this is better said than done. What do you do, and how do you plan before taking the first step? What are the responsibilities of your own four walls? With our tips for your first luxury apartments in Lahore, you will arrive safely at your new home.

1 Your apartment or flat share?

Before you start looking for an apartment, you should be clear about which type of living you prefer. All alone in a small apartment where you can practically do whatever you want? Or would you prefer to be spacious and social but with limited independence? By the way, it can't hurt to find out about the basic legal equipment of an apartment in advance.

1.1 Own apartment

When it comes to your first apartment, you should be aware that it will most likely not be your home for life and not necessarily the dream apartment you have always wanted. You should be clear about priorities and requirements beforehand, with the following points being the most important:

·         Is the apartment big enough for my needs, and can I get everything under?

·         Is the apartment too big, and does it just make me work unnecessarily?

·         Am I in a good position with connections to university or work?

·         Do I identify with the residents and the neighborhood?

·         And most importantly: can I afford the apartment?

1.2 Shared apartment

Living in a well-organized community has many advantages. Above all, you are not alone, and you can quickly make new contacts, which can be particularly helpful when moving to a foreign city. You don't have to worry about housework and shopping alone. Nevertheless, this life model is not for everyone, and you should be sure of the following in advance:

·         Is the apartment big enough for the number of residents?

·         Is the rent shared fairly among the roommates?

·         Do I have enough privacy?

·         Is shared flat life organized?

·         Do I get along with the roommates?

2. Financing

Not only the move itself, but the entire start in your apartment involves a lot of costs. The rent itself has to be considered, and ancillary costs, living costs, and moving costs. To get an overview and to move as cheaply as possible, we recommend using a moving calculator for assistance. The union complex landlord also wants to get an idea of ​​your finances beforehand before giving an acceptance.

2.1 What you should know

Before you start looking for your first apartment, the financial situation should be settled. On the one hand, there are the cold rent and ancillary costs, which include, for example, costs such as heating, water, and house cleaning and garbage disposal. Besides, there is the deposit, usually three net rents, moving costs, insurance, contracts, and furniture. If the money is not in abundance, a loan may be worthwhile. Before doing this, however, you should inform yourself precisely about the subject of credit and compare offers with each other.

2.2 What the landlord wants to know

Above all, the landlord wants to ensure in advance whether a tenant can pay his rent on time. Before or during the apartment viewing, a questionnaire on work and income relationships must often be completed, and the so-called tenant self-assessment must be substantiated with evidence. If your income is insufficient, parents can help out with a rent guarantee.

3. Insurance

The following insurances are not compulsory but protect you against emergencies that could cost a lot of money in the worst case. It is therefore advisable to take out the following insurance policies.

3.1 Household contents insurance

Even if your first apartment's household contents are still manageable, it is advisable to take out household contents insurance. In addition to furniture and clothing, this also covers electrical appliances and bicycles. However, before doing this, it should be checked whether the parents' household effects are not already insured. Since the home contents insurance tariffs are usually based on the living space, the costs are usually not that high.

3.2 Liability Insurance

It can be property, personal or financial loss. Like household insurance, this is also not compulsory insurance. Nevertheless, it can prove helpful if, for example, damage occurs in the hallway when moving or if your work causes irreparable damage to the apartment.

4. Obligations as a tenant

Aside from more independence and the freedom you have gained, your own home also brings a lot of responsibility. The following duties should be observed in particular.

4.1 Pay rent on time

You are contractually obliged to pay the rent on time. Usually, this has to be paid in advance on the third working day of the month. The landlord has the right to terminate if the rent is two months in arrears.

4.2 Deposit rental deposit

As a rule, a rental deposit of three net rents must be deposited. This does not always have to be deposited in full immediately but can also be paid over the first three rental months. Alternatively, a rent deposit guarantee can also be deposited.

 

4.3 Report defects in good time

Should defects arise or discover defects in the apartment, these must be reported immediately to the landlord. In the worst case, the landlord can ask you to assume the costs if you have not reported any defects.

4.4 Heating

As a tenant, you are responsible for ensuring that the apartment is adequately heated. If mold develops due to poor use of the heating or pipes freeze in winter, the tenant must bear the costs of repairing the damage. Don't save in the wrong place here!

4.5 Observe house rules

Each house has its own house rules. This is often posted in the hallway. This must be observed, and violations of it can lead to termination.

4.6 Arrange for subletting

If you are thinking about sublet your apartment, for example, during a semester abroad or a visit to your home country, the landlord must be asked for permission. Here you can find out what you should consider when sublet.

5. Before you sign the rental agreement

Once you have found your first apartment and have received a confirmation. Check all the information carefully and pay particular attention to the following points:

·         Do rent and ancillary costs correspond to the information given above?

·         Are additional rooms or components such as the basement and fitted kitchen available and operational?

·         Is the specification of the living space correct? This is especially important in the event of a later rent increase!

·         Is it a graduated rent?

·         Does the rental price correspond to the local rent index? You can find this out from a tenants' association.

·         Does the contract contain clauses? A termination exclusion clause, for example, obliges you to live in the apartment for a certain time without giving notice.

·         Is it a fixed-term lease?

·         Have previously identified defects been recorded?

·         Every contract should be read carefully. Beware of invalid clauses. These do not have to be expressly deleted from the contract but are invalid by law. If in doubt, you should contact the German Tenant Protection Association or a specialist.

6. Tips for the first few days in your first own apartment

If you have overcome all the hurdles of looking for a flat and moving, you face the next challenges. The comforts of home are a thing of the past, and you have to take care of yourself. It is important to first secure the basics. To fill the still-empty refrigerator, use our shopping list after the move, compile lists and meal plans for further purchases.

To not forget anything when changing your address, it is best to use our checklist to change your address and so that the post does not continue to reach mum and dad and set up a forwarding order.

7. Checklist for furnishing your first home

Once the move has been made and all formalities have finally been dealt with, all that is missing is the apartment's furnishing. But before you jump into the decoration, a minimum of equipment should be provided.