For most of us, when we are hunting for an apartment, we always fall into the same trap; we get swept with visions of having a place for own and cocktails parties with our friends every night, while completely ignoring a good number of particulars like landlord’s rules, fees and among other things we are required of. When it comes to rental apartments in Jakarta, here are some of the things you need before renting an apartment.

What is that you really want?
Are you looking for an apartment for your family or you are just looking for a place you can live on your own? How much are you willing to pay every single month as rent? Make sure you answer these few questions before you start hunting for an apartment to rent.

Will you need to find a co-signer?
With the way things are in the industry; a number of tenants require their tenants to pass a credit check and even pass a pre-set income standard. So if you do not meet these standards, then you will need a co-signer to sign the lease and agree to take the hit should you fail to pay your rent.

Your rent could increase in future
If you find an affordable apartment to rent, do not get too excited; rent prices are not fixed as can start to go up as time goes by. For example, a one year lease only guarantees your rate during this time span; however, after this one year period, your landlord may increase monthly rent payment.

Take a look at the neighborhood
When it comes to places where to rent an apartment, if you are renting for the first time, you may make a hasty decision and sign the lease without first checking out the area you intend to reside. The neighborhood you choose must be comfortable and safe.

Inspect the property and possibly meet your neighbors
Once you have identified the apartment, schedule a final walk through with the manager or your landlord and conduct an inspection before signing your lease agreement. Sink faucet and a leaking roof are a few of the things you might want to look out for. It does not even stop there; like the person renting you the space, your neighbors can make or even break an apartment. So before you finally move in, try to see what you are getting yourself into.

Are you allowed to decorate the apartment without penalty?
When it comes to rental apartments in Jakarta, most leases state that when you move out, the apartment must be restored to the same condition you actually found it in. Plus, most landlords will also have a clause in the lease that says you need their written permission before you do any kind of decoration or painting. So putting up those fancy artwork and driving nails might all need to be pre-approved when moving out or you risk losing your security deposit.

Read lease
Last but not lease, yes, some lease agreements can be long and boring; however, before you put your sign on it, take awhile to read the entire document. Thankfully, most apartment managers will help you go will go through the lease from page to page and explain the whole document.