Listings look similar. Buildings do not. These are the checks worth making in person, ideally twice.
Water and power
Ask who supplies the electricity and at what rate — some buildings resell it well above the utility rate. Run a tap and a shower; check pressure on the floor you would actually live on, not the show unit.
Backup power
Ask whether there is a generator, what it covers and how quickly it starts. In a tall building, a lift and a water pump that both stop in an outage is a different life from one where they do not.
Noise and neighbours
Visit in the evening and again at the weekend. Construction, karaoke bars and a busy junction are invisible at 11am on a Tuesday.
The contract
- Get the deposit terms in writing, including what counts as fair wear.
- Confirm who pays for repairs, and how you report them.
- Check the notice period on both sides, and whether the rent is fixed for the term.
- Make sure the person signing is the owner or holds written authority.
Furnishing
“Fully furnished” means different things to different landlords. Photograph the inventory on the day you move in, including any existing damage, and send it to the landlord so the record is shared.
We visit every property before it goes on our site, and we will say when we think one is wrong for you — browse what is listed or tell us what you need.