Real Estate Matters

Top 20 Questions On Renting A Property In Macau - Part 1
Renting an apartment can be a traumatic experience

Juliet Risdon is a Director of JML Property and a property investor. 
Having established the company in 1994, JML Property offers Investment Property & Homes. It specializes in managing properties for owners and investors, and providing attractive and comfortable homes for tenants.

It looks like a year when less people will buy property, and more people will rent. Here are the top 20 questions we are asked by tenants; this week the first 5.

20. Why do I have to
pay 4 months money
in advance ?
In most cases, tenants are asked to pay up to 4 months rental money in advance. This consists of;
• 2 months Security
      Deposit
      (See next question)
• 1 Month advanced
       rent
• 1 Month agency fee
When you find a property that you like, you will usually be asked to put down a deposit equivalent to 1 month’s rent to hold the property. This will then be used as the first months rent once you have moved in.
The 2 months security deposit is usually paid upon signing the rental agreement, and is explained in the next question.
The 1 month agency fee is usually invoiced prior to moving in, and becomes payable after the move in date.
19: What Is The
Security Deposit For ?
The security deposit is held by the property management company or the landlord as a sum to compensate any damages to the property by a tenant.
Contrary to popular belief, the deposit may not be used in lieu of rent, unless otherwise agreed by tenant and landlord, and is held separately from the rent.
When you leave an apartment, it is normal for the property management company or landlord to conduct an inspection with you, and to reach an agreement on pricing for any damages or loss caused during the period of tenancy. Then the outstanding utility bills are worked out, and the apartment must be thoroughly cleaned.
The agreed amounts are deducted from the deposit, and the deposit returned.
This process usually takes between 2 to 10 working days. If you want your landlord to return the security deposit on the day that you move out, it is likely that you will have to make special arrangements with the landlord so that they can pre-inspect the property, and you can arrange to pay cash for the utility bills and cleaning expenses.

18: Can The Owner Sell
The Apartment Whilst
I Have A Tenancy
 Contract ?
Yes. The owner has the right to sell at any time he or she chooses.

17: If the owner sells
the apartment, do
we have to move out ?
No.
Tenants are protected by the tenancy contract, and a new owner does not have the right to ignore a valid tenancy contract.
The contract and all of its terms must be adhered to by the new owner, who should be aware of the tenancy agreement and have a copy provided to them during the sales process.

16: Can the owner
or their agent bring
people into the
apartment to
look around ?
Not without your permission.
When you have a valid tenancy agreement in place, you may decide who and who not to let into your home.
If an agent knocks on your door and requests to see the property, you are perfectly within your rights to say “No”, then call the owner to complain.

For further information please call me or visit our website Www.JMLProperty.com, or visit us on Www.Facebook.Com/JMLRealEstate we are always happy to give you our opinion and expertise whenever we can help.  
Any comments or feedback on this column are welcome, and if you have a property related question please e mail it us at: info@JMLProperty.com and we will respond to you in this column or by return E mail.