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The ouse Whisperer Your monthly dose of information to wish away your relocation and realty blues. We pay a maintenance amount apart from the rent and security deposit. What exactly does this ‘maintenance’ include? – Swedish tenant in Mumbai For an apartment, maintenance would refer to the upkeep of the common areas, wear and tear of the back-up generator, repairs and upkeep of the elevator, maintenance of security, and other expenses related to maintaining the apartment complex in a good condition. In case of a condominium complex, it would also include cleaning of the swimming pool and maintenance of the play area and parking lot. It may include touch up of painting, although a special increased amount maybe requested for painting the exteriors of the building (which the landlord will usually pay), periodic cleaning of the water tank as well as CCTV installation and monitoring. All apartment-related minor and major repairs are outside the ambit of ‘maintenance’. Why do the rents go up from the price actually quoted? – Finnish tenant in Delhi Rents are usually fixed for the house as-is. If one were to occupy the house in the condition one views it, the rent would be as quoted. But tenants typically ask for a few modifications that could range from changing the curtains to renovating the kitchen. Similar to all other industries, a part of the payout would fall on the tenant, and hence the revision of the rent. Moreover, it is important to understand that in a service industry, it is often hard to price the house exactly. Rents are also subject to seasonal changes, as well as personal relationships with the landlord or the realty agent. It is always advisable for the tenant
to enquire whether the rents are negotiable, as well as understand that the more their demands are, the more the rent would swing northwards. Also, it is a good idea to negotiate via the realty expert, who already has a good relationship with the landlord. Then the rent can end up going down too. Why don’t we have a dish washer, a drier, or a freezer? – American tenant in Chennai Because none of these appliances are popular in India. Human hands usually do the job of washing dishes and drying clothes; they are called maids, and giving them a job keeps a family off the street, so do be flexible – you will conserve power and employ a person. Besides, tough curry stains and stainless steel pots and pans are not dishwasher-friendly. Plus, since the demand is very niche, the servicing is also exclusive. Should you require a dishwasher, do negotiate with the landlord. Several of them are open to the idea of a dishwasher. Cities such as Mumbai are usually equipped with a drier, thanks to two months of heavy monsoons. In Chennai or Hyderabad or Delhi, however, where the sun is bright and almost always present, driers are a rarity. Again, should you prefer not to hang your clothes on a clothesline, do talk to your landlord. Freezers are probably the rarest of the white goods being discussed. In India, due to frequent power cuts and high ambient temperatures, food spoils easily than in the cooler climes of Europe or America. It may be a good idea instead to cook and store for shorter durations.
If you have any comments, suggestions or queries for this column, write to culturama@globaladjustments.com 68
culturama | may 2012
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