What to inspect before you sign a rent agreement

The moment before you sign is your best chance to catch problems. A careful walkthrough protects both your deposit and your peace of mind.

Test every tap, flush, switch and socket. Look for damp patches, seepage near windows, and the condition of the geyser, fans and any provided appliances. Note existing scratches or stains so they are not blamed on you later.

Read the agreement line by line — rent, deposit, lock-in, notice period and who pays for what. Take dated photos of the flat on move-in day and share them with the owner so there is a clear record from day one.