Tips for renting an apartment safely: complete and updated guide

1) Prepare the property before renting it and avoid problems from day one

Rental security starts with the condition of the property. A well-prepared apartment attracts better profiles, reduces unnecessary visits and avoids later claims. Before publishing the ad, review these basic points:

● Deep cleaning and good ventilation.
● Paint and small repairs (outlets, taps, blinds, silicone in bathroom/kitchen).
● Functioning of appliances if delivered furnished. Boiler/air conditioning check if applicable.
● Bulbs, locks and keys in good condition.

Furthermore, following these tips to rent an apartment more safely, review the property's basic documentation (for example, the habitability certificate or equivalent certificate if applicable in your community) and have the energy certificate ready. The clearer and "ready to move in" the apartment is, the fewer discussions you'll have about the initial state or about what "doesn't work" just after moving in.

2) Create a clear ad and use good photos to filter better and rent faster

Although it seems like a more "commercial" topic, it directly influences security. A confusing ad attracts people who don't fit, generates useless visits and increases the probability of renting in a hurry. To improve candidate quality:

● Describe transparently what the rental includes: square meters, rooms, expenses, condition, furnished or not.
● Indicate important conditions (for example, whether pets are accepted or not).
● Include photos with good natural light, order and realistic focus.
● If you can, add a short video or tour to reduce "curious" visits.
● Avoid photos that distort: they generate false expectations and later problems.

A well-made ad not only rents sooner: it also allows you to choose calmly and reduce risk.

3) Define a tenant profile and filter with criteria the most important key

Most rental problems are prevented by selecting the tenant well. Before showing the apartment, define what profile fits your property: family, couple, relocated worker, student, etc. This allows you to filter better and compare candidates with objective criteria.

Good practices:

● Don't decide only by "feeling" or rush.
● Compare 2–3 candidates (if the market allows).
● Ask about employment situation, reason for renting and expected duration.
● Value stability and consistency (clear answers and matching documentation).

If someone pressures to sign quickly, avoids providing documentation or changes their version several times, it's a warning sign. Selection is your first layer of security.

4) Request documentation and check solvency without complicating yourself, but without skipping steps

To rent safely you need to check two things: identity and income. It's usual to request:

● Identity document (ID/passport).
● Income proof (payslips, employment contract, tax return).
● In some cases, bank statements or recent transactions.
● If self-employed: taxes or income certificates.

Additionally, as a guideline, it's advisable that rent doesn't exceed approximately 30–35% of monthly net income. It's not a law, but it is a very useful reference to evaluate real payment capacity. If the effort is too high, the risk of non-payment increases.

5) Clarify economic conditions from the beginning and avoid misunderstandings

Before signing, put the key conditions in writing, even if by email:

● Monthly rent and payment method.
● Payment date (for example, first 5 days of the month).
● Legal deposit and additional guarantees (if agreed).
● Expenses included or passed on (community fees, property tax, garbage, etc.).
● Contract duration and move-in date.

This avoids later discussions like "I thought it was included" or "they told me that…". Clarity at the start greatly reduces conflicts.

6) Solid, updated contract without problematic clauses your legal shield

The contract is the document that protects you if something goes wrong. It should include:

● Complete identification of the parties.
● Description of the property and annexes (storage room, garage).
● Duration, extensions and termination causes.
● Rent, payment method and annual update.
● Maintenance and repair obligations.
● Conditions on subletting, use and cohabitation.
● Pet policy (if applicable).
● Inventory (if furnished).

Very important: avoid abusive or ambiguous clauses. If a clause is considered null, it can work against you. It's also advisable to expressly include whether subletting is permitted or not, and under what conditions third parties can be accommodated. These are small details that avoid big problems.

7) Rent update: make clear the "how" and "when"

Many conflicts arise with the annual increase. If it's going to be updated, it must be agreed in the contract and with a clear criterion. The update clause should indicate:

● When it applies (for example, each year on the same date).
● What index or reference is used.
● How the tenant is notified.
● From when the new rent takes effect.

This avoids discussions and makes the update transparent. If it's not defined, the margin for interpretation increases and with it the conflict.

8) Inventory: essential if you want real security

If you rent furnished, the inventory is not optional: it's essential. Include furniture, appliances, condition, and if possible brand/model. Add clear photos and, if you can, a video.

Practical recommendation:

● Make a photographic report on move-in day.
● Sign the inventory as an annex to the contract.
● Include the condition of walls, floors, kitchen, bathroom, doors and windows.
● Register meters (electricity, water, gas) on move-in and move-out day.

This protects both landlord and tenant. When everything is documented, it's much easier to manage damage and deposit returns without conflict.

9) Utilities and deposit: manage the administrative well to avoid problems

Utilities are a frequent source of problems. The safest is usually to change ownership to the tenant. If not done, agree in writing how bills will be paid and keep receipts.

Regarding the deposit:

● Make clear the amount and payment method.
● Specify return conditions.
● Indicate in what cases it can be retained totally or partially (damage, non-payment, pending bills).

In some communities, additionally, the deposit must be deposited with the corresponding body. Having this point controlled reduces risks and improves legal security.

10) Communication, key delivery and incident protocol

Key delivery must be documented: date, number of copies, signature of both parties. It's also advisable to have a communication channel with record (email or messages) so that any incident is written.

Also define a simple protocol:

● How to report breakdowns.
● What's considered urgent.
● Reasonable response times.
● Who pays what depending on the type of repair.

Quick management reduces tension. When communication is clear and documented, conflicts usually drop significantly.

Bonus: protect yourself against non-payment (insurance vs rental guarantee)

Even with a good tenant, unforeseen events can arise: job loss, separations, health problems or changes in economic situation. That's why many landlords protect themselves with specific tools.

Non-payment insurance works like a policy, with conditions and limits that depend on the contract. A rental guarantee, on the other hand, usually offers broader support linked to the rental: it covers rent from the first day of non-payment until property restitution, plus integrates management and legal support. In general, if you seek maximum peace of mind and more complete protection, the guarantee usually proves more solid for the landlord.