Renters Guide

Considerations before renting a place
Real Estate Agents
Visiting the property
Important aspects to address in contract
Communication with your Landlord

Considerations before renting a place

When looking for a place to rent, whether it is for living or working, it is important for you to know exactly what you are looking for. This understanding will make the process so much easier and more efficient. Below are 5 of the most important characteristics that will guide you towards finding your perfect rental property.

Location

Location is the single most important thing to consider when searching for a property. Consider specific points of interest that you feel are a necessity to have around you, such as a supermarket, public transportation, a park, the beach, etc. Also try to get a feel for your neighbors and people who live and work around you. You want to choose somewhere that you will be comfortable and happy especially if you are planning to stay for an extended amount of time.

Price

You should have an idea of how much you are willing to pay every month in rental fees. Calculate your budget and set a maximum amount you are able to pay for the rent. This will allow you to view the properties that are affordable and right for you.

Duration

Determine how long you are planning to rent that property. Most contracts require you to stay a minimum amount of time, such as 1 year, but it is always better to know approximately how long you will stay. The duration could be used as a bargaining tool to negotiate the rental price with your landlord.

Size

Properties come in many different sizes from skyscraper buildings with massive units all the way to single family homes. Consider how much space you need the property to be in order to live or work. How many people will be living with you? How many employees will be working with you? Knowing your ideal size and approximate measurements in meters squared is important to finding the right place. Keep in mind that bigger properties generally offer more amenities and vice versa, which takes us to the last consideration.

Amenities

Considering what amenities you need and want is essential. Determine what features you MUST have in order to consider renting out that place. Examples of amenities include private parking, internet service, security guards, on-site maintenance, fitness center, etc. Making a list of required amenities will really help you screen the different properties and choose the right place for you.

Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents are a big part of the real estate industry in Kuwait. Generally, agents have offices where they will show you properties that match your search criteria. Some may show you pictures and some may take you to the actual property.

Below are some questions to ask the agent before accepting his services:

How many areas do you cover?
How many properties will you show me?
How much do you charge if I approve the property?
What if I don't like any of the properties you show me?
Will I be able to contact you at any time?

A good agent should do the following things for you:

Have a written agreement about their responsibilities
Learn about your specific requirements; matching your financial situation and lifestyle preferences
Understand the real estate market in order to show you the right neighborhood for you
Identify individual properties that match your criteria
Be able to show you those properties in person
Be able to answer any of your questions about the property
Connect you with the owner of the property

Once you find a place you are happy with, they generally charge you 50% of the first month's rent of that property. This payment is separate from the actual rent payment to the owner. For example, if an agent finds you a property that is 500 KD per month. You must pay the agent 250 KD apart from the rent payment you pay to the owner. Keep in mind that you are not tied down to one agent and do not have to pay a fee to any agent until they find you a place you are happy with.

Visiting the Property

Once you've browsed different properties and chose your favorite ones, it is time to go and visit them in person. This will allow you to really get a feel for the property and visualize yourself working or living there. Remember that you are not the only one on a search. The landlord, too, is also going to informally interview you as well because they are looking for the best person to be their tenant. So look presentable and make them believe that you are the best candidate to rent their property.

Below is a guide of things to consider when visiting a property.

  • Get a feel for the neighborhood
  • Check for outdoor damage
  • Check if the floors, walls, and ceilings are in tact
  • Check if the sinks and toilets are working
  • Make sure the air conditioning works
  • Check the electricity and outlets
  • Check the dishwasher, washing machine, oven, and other appliances
  • Check for security and smoke detectors
  • Ask about maintenance and landlord responsibilities

Important aspects to address in contract

Once you've found your perfect place, you and your landlord must sign a contract. Below are some things you want to include in the contract in order to minimize any complications in the future:

Landlord Information

Type of landlord: Individual, Corporation, etc.
Number of Landlords Names and contact information of Landlords

Tenant Information

Type of tenants: Individual, Corporation, etc.
Number of tenants
Names and contact information of tenants
Previous address and contact of tenant
Additional occupants: visitors, duration, etc.

Details of property

Type of property: House, Apartment, Office, etc.
Property name and address
Description of property
Number of units in property
Furnishing details
Parking availability

Rent Details

Currency of Payment
Frequency of payments: weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.
Amount of rent payment/month
Date of expected payment
Address to send payment
Notice in case change of rent amount
Penalties for late payment
Termination notice period

Security/Damage Deposit

How much to pay
Is there interest
Will it be returned
Is there inspection before payment of deposit

Responsibilities

What is the landlord responsible for?
What is the tenant responsible for?

Communication with your Landlord

After you've moved into your perfect place, it is important to keep a good relationship with your landlord. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

  • Make sure you have multiple ways to contact each other
  • Make sure you both understand each of your responsibilities
  • Pay your rent on time
  • Contact your landlord whenever you have a question
  • Take a picture of any new damage and contact your landlord immediately