By Jack Dawson
Mumbai is the city of dreams with millions of new folk flocking to it year on year. Some of them come looking for jobs; still others are students looking to get into one of its many prestigious institutions. Whatever be their reason of coming here, they all need to find a place to live. While housing in Mumbai is plentiful, there is still a method that needs to be followed when looking at a place to rent. So here are some easy hacks to follow for the same.
- Budget: Your budget will dictate the area and size of your dwelling in Mumbai. While deciding on a budget, ensure that you take into account the security deposit, the monthly rent, whether or not you will be paying the maintenance, and whether the apartment is furnished or bare bones basic.
- Flexibility on deposit: While the deposit on flats in Mumbai totals to about 6 months’ rent and is generally paid in cash up front, try and negotiate the same down as much as possible. Normally landlords are willing to negotiate with tenants about the deposit, as they too are looking to lease out their property and start making some money off it.
- Trustworthy brokers: While websites like Housing and magic bricks have made it incredibly easy to rent out a place, there is very often no substitute to a broker in many parts of the city. Ask your friends or colleagues to introduce you to a trustworthy broker, if you do not wish to go the website route.
- Roommates: Living alone in a new city can often be a very harrowing prospect, both in terms of security as well as finance. It would be a good idea to look for a dwelling with a roommate. This will help your budget as well as with the twin problems of loneliness and security. Before moving in however always meet the prospective roommate and check your compatibility over a cup of coffee.
- Social restrictions: While Mumbai is a metropolitan city, several housing societies in the city very often have a set of social restrictions pertaining to diet (vegetarian only), relationship status (only married couples), and others. Always seek clarity about these conditions way before you make your decision about moving in.
- Registration and police verification: Registration of the property agreement between the landlord and a tenant is required by law and it normally happens at the district property office. A broker comes in handy here, as they will assist you on this parameter as well. Police verification is also a part of this process, and a page with the details of the property, landlord, tenant and broker details is submitted to the local police station.
Mumbai as a city is a beautiful one to live in. It has pretty much all that a world class residential destination should. Following these simple tips should help you secure a flat in this wonderful city as well. Happy house hunting.
Jack Dawson
Author: Jack Dawson
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Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
