THE LEASE AGREEMENT

You need to prepare the rest of the security deposit and advance rental upon signing the Lease Agreement. 

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Please find below the important terms you should take note of, when signing the Lease Agreement:

1. Diplomatic or Escape Clause and Reimbursement Clause
Check for this clause. This clause is to safe guard you if in the event you are no longer employed, transferred to other countries; you can terminate the lease after six months by giving two months notice. Thereafter, the security deposit will be refunded to you.
There is usually the reimbursement clause together with the diplomatic clause. This clause states that if you exercise the diplomatic clause, you will have to reimburse part of the commission the landlord had paid to his agent..
 
2. Utilities, Telephone, Cable Television...
The monthly bills for the following services are the tenant's responsibility
•    water

•  Electricity supply.
•    Gas
•    Residential telephone line.
•    Cable Television
•    Broadband internet

3. Repairs and Maintenance
The tenant is responsible for maintaining the leased premises, carrying out minor repairs at own costs. In a standard agreement, the tenant will be responsible for a reasonable sum of the repairs, which will agree upon by the landlord.
Only major repairs and maintenance would be the landlord's responsibility provided that the damage or malfunction of appliances is not caused by the tenant's negligence.

4. Rental Amount
Check the rental amount. Sometimes the landlord will divide the rental amount into

•  rental of premises

•  rental of furniture and fittings

•  maintenance fees

5. Your Furniture/Renovation Requirements
ensure that all your requirements and requests are stated clearly. Like requesting a new sofa, new bed or new washing machine etc.

Fully Furnished (F/F)
Fully furnished refers to an apartment or house that you are renting is provided with all furniture, white goods (refrigerator, washer and dryer) and the essential electric appliances

Semi Furnished (S/F) 
Semi furnished refers to an apartment or house usually provided with white goods, curtains, lightings or some other movable items.

Although a house may be semi furnished at the time of viewing, you can always request the landlord to fully furnish it or request him to get the items you require. All these issues are negotiated ahead of time and will determine the final rental amount.

6. Term of Lease
The standard lease period is 1 year or more, with or without an option to renew the lease.

TAKING OVER THE PROPERTY

The landlord will prepare an Inventory List on or before the day of handing over. Check the items listed in the inventory. Check all electrical appliances, air-con, lighting, water heater etc.
If there is anything unsatisfactory, do not panic; note it down on the inventory. Even brand new houses have defects, therefore be understanding and allow the landlord to rectify it within a reasonable period of time.