Your rental viewing checklist
Before you commit to a unit, walk through it with a checklist. It’s easy to forget about dues, water pressure, aircon type, and building rules when you’re excited about a place.
GoHome.ph rental guides. General guidance, not legal advice.
Clarify total monthly costs before the visit
Ask whether the advertised rent includes association dues, and get the exact peso amount rather than an estimate. Confirm whether parking is included or billed separately, and ask what move-in funds you’ll need upfront. Most listers ask for advance rent plus a security deposit, with post-dated checks (PDCs) covering the months after that.
Inspect in-unit utilities and air conditioning
Turn on the faucets and shower at the same time to check water pressure. Ask whether the aircon is an inverter unit. Inverter models use less electricity than older window-type units, so it’s worth asking a previous tenant what their Meralco bill looked like if you can. Test a few power outlets, look at the circuit breaker panel, and check your phone signal in different corners of the unit.
Confirm building rules and administration clearances
Drop by the Property Management Office (PMO) and ask about tenant registration, elevator reservation fees for moving in, and how much lead time a gate pass needs. If you have pets, check the building’s weight and breed rules. It’s also worth asking about guest policies, pool and gym access, and which internet providers (PLDT, Converge, Globe) already have lines in the building.
Review utility clearances and inventory condition
Before you sign anything, ask for the latest utility bills to confirm the previous tenant settled their electric, water, and internet accounts. Walk through the unit with the lister and note the condition of furniture and appliances, plus any existing wall or floor damage. Photos with a timestamp are your best protection if there’s a dispute over the deposit later.