Never rush into decisions. Trust your gut! Trust your instincts; they will generally guide you in the right direction... And gather as much information as possible! For a long-term stay abroad, daily life and living there require a minimum of organization, especially when it comes to accommodation.
You're on cloud nine, you've found your dream apartment online for your Working Holiday Visa . You've contacted the landlord who assures you there are no problems, you can even move in right away. The landlord puts a bit of pressure on you to pay three months' rent and one month's deposit upfront, so you comply, not wanting to miss this golden opportunity, and you sign the lease. Then disaster strikes. You can't get the keys, or... the apartment simply doesn't exist and the landlord vanishes without a trace.
When you're researching and contacting people, be vigilant and look out for red flags. For example, if you can't meet the landlord in person, if they're abroad but someone else will give you the keys; if they pressure you to pay, and especially if they ask for an exorbitant amount upfront, that's not normal either. Of course, a landlord can ask for a security deposit or a deposit that you'll get back at the end of your lease, but generally, they can't ask for more than one month's rent in advance.
Checklist before signing a lease agreement if you are renting directly from an individual:
- Verify the landlord's identity
. - Generally, you will need to pay two weeks' rent in advance and two weeks' deposit (this can vary depending on the country, but never more than one month's rent).
- ALWAYS have proof of payment, a receipt if you pay anything in cash (avoid anything using Western Union).
- Visit the property before committing, check that the premises are up to standard, the number of people in relation to the number of bedrooms, etc. Beware of illegal rentals (too many tenants compared to the number of bedrooms). This can also be a good way to meet your future roommates, see if you like the neighborhood, the apartment, etc. Making initial contact is extremely important; remember that renting an apartment is a commitment for a period of time, and it's best to feel at home.
- Pay either upon receiving the keys or on the day you move in, but NEVER before visiting the property or meeting the landlord in person.
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance