Delhi Rental Checklist 2025: 20 Things to Verify Before Moving In

Legal & Documentation Checks

1. Ownership proof: Ask the landlord to show the property's ownership document (registry or allotment letter). You're not being rude — you're protecting yourself from renting from someone who doesn't own the property.
2. Society NOC (for apartments): If the property is in an apartment complex, confirm there is no restriction from the Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) against renting to tenants of a certain profile (bachelors, non-vegetarians, etc.). Some Delhi RWAs impose illegal but difficult-to-challenge restrictions.
3. Written rental agreement: Insist on a written agreement, however informal the arrangement. It must state: monthly rent, security deposit amount, notice period, electricity billing method, and list of included amenities. Oral agreements are nearly impossible to enforce.
4. Rent receipt: Ask if the landlord will provide monthly rent receipts. Receipts are required if you claim House Rent Allowance (HRA) tax exemption.
5. Electricity meter in whose name: Ask if the electricity meter is in the landlord's name or a separate meter. Sub-meters rented from landlords can have inflated per-unit pricing.

Financial Checks

1. Security deposit amount and refund terms: Standard in Delhi is 1–3 months' rent. More than 3 months is unusual. Confirm the refund timeline (typically 30–60 days after vacating) and get it in the agreement.
2. Electricity billing method: Confirm whether electricity is a fixed monthly charge, a sub-meter reading, or an actual electricity board bill. In summer, an AC running 8 hours/day can add ₹2,000–₹4,000 per month to electricity costs.
3. Maintenance charges: Confirm if maintenance (society maintenance, lift maintenance, common area cleaning) is included or additional.
4. Brokerage: If you're using a property agent (broker), confirm their fee upfront. Standard brokerage in Delhi is 1 month's rent paid once by the tenant.
5. Rent hike clause: Ask about the rental escalation policy — most landlords include a 5–10% annual hike clause in the agreement. Know this before you sign.

Physical Property Checks

1. Water supply: Ask about timings and duration. Delhi's water supply is not 24×7 in most areas. Know if the building has a water storage tank and whether it's sufficient.
2. Inverter / power backup: Check inverter capacity. Ask how many hours of backup it provides and whether it supports AC, fan, and lights simultaneously.
3. Appliance condition: Turn on every appliance — AC, geyser, ceiling fans, refrigerator (if included). Check for any damage or non-functioning items. Note these in the agreement or photograph them.
4. Plumbing: Turn on all taps and flush the toilet. Check for low pressure, leaks, or drainage issues.
5. Locks and security: Check that the main door has a strong lock. Verify that windows (especially ground and first floor) have grills. Ask about building main entrance security — guard, intercom, or access card.
6. Mobile network signal: Stand in every room and check signal strength on your primary network (Jio, Airtel, Vi). Thick walls in older Delhi construction can block signals entirely.

Neighbourhood & Practical Checks

1. Metro / transport distance: Walk to the nearest metro station and time it. Check auto/cab availability at night — some Delhi areas have poor late-night transport.
2. Nearest hospital and pharmacy: Know where the nearest 24-hour medical facility is. Emergencies happen and distance matters.
3. Grocery and market access: Confirm there's a grocery shop within 500m. Delhi's inner lanes can be deceptive — some central addresses have surprisingly poor last-mile amenities.
4. Noise assessment: Visit at 6 PM on a weekday to judge road noise, nearby construction, prayer loudspeakers, or loud neighbours.
5. Building / street safety at night: Walk or drive past at 9 PM to assess street lighting, activity level, and overall feel.