After months of searching, you've finally located your ideal apartment, and you can't wait anymore to move in. Unfortunately, there are still a few things that can prevent you from making the big step. Here are some suggestions to ensure your new home is entirely secure for you to move into. Before you sign a lease with your landlord, we provide information on what to watch out for and the precautions you should take.

Contract

• Ensure that the agreement covers maintenance. The landlord typically handles significant issues, while the renter is responsible for minor maintenance.
• Per your contract, you have a few days after move-in to report any maintenance required with your air conditioner or water pipes. It will be the landlord’s responsibility to fix those.
• Request a legal translation of your contract if it is written in Arabic to prevent misunderstandings.
• Keep in mind also that the law does not protect ignorance!

Condition

• The landlord is obliged by law to hand over each property in perfect working condition unless the contract states otherwise (we can’t stress enough the importance of checking all clauses before proceeding with signing).
• The physical condition of the property should be checked and double-checked by a tenant. Check that there are no exposed wires and cables, look for leaks under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms, and look for cracks in the doors and windows.
• Remember that electricity and water are only connected after the lease is signed, so the power, air conditioning, and plumbing might not be checked during the viewing.
• Before signing the lease as a new renter, confirm that the FEWA bills from the previous Tenant have been settled.

Maintenance

• The landlord must fix all significant repairs that may be necessary. (Major maintenance is defined as maintenance of the property's structure involving drainage, plumbing, pumping equipment, a boiler, sanitation facilities, electrical systems, and air conditioning.)
• Minor repairs may fall under the tenant's purview, mainly if they occur after the tenant has moved in. However, you are encouraged to speak with the landlord and request a reimbursement or that he take responsibility in the future if the minor maintenance work recurs frequently.