Before You Rent a House in Pakistan
A practical pre-rental checklist for tenants in Pakistan, from utilities and paperwork to deposits and handover.
Confirm the person and the property
Before paying token money, confirm the property address and the identity or authority of the owner or representative dealing with you. If a dealer is involved, know who will sign the tenancy documents and who will receive each payment. Do not rely only on WhatsApp messages or photographs.
Test the utilities
Turn on taps, check water pressure, ask where water comes from, and confirm gas availability rather than assuming it from the street or locality. Check the electricity meter and ask whether any bills are outstanding. For portions, establish which meters, tanks and connections are separate and which are shared.
Inspect what you will inherit
Check seepage, bathrooms, kitchen fittings, doors, locks, electrical points, fans, geyser arrangements and major appliances that are included. Photograph existing damage before moving in. A short written condition record can prevent arguments when the security deposit is returned.
Put the money terms in writing
Clarify monthly rent, due date, advance rent, security deposit, annual increase if any, dealer commission and maintenance responsibility. Get a receipt for token, deposit and advance payments. Do not leave important payment terms as verbal understandings.
Clarify everyday restrictions
Ask about parking, pets if relevant, roof access, water-pump timing, generator or solar arrangements, guests, commercial use and society rules. For a shared building, ask who occupies the other portion and how common spaces are managed.
At handover
Record electricity and gas meter readings, collect keys, note included fixtures and keep copies of the signed agreement and payment receipts. Save the owner or authorized contact details somewhere other than only in a chat thread.