10 Red Flags to Watch Before Finalizing a Rental

Found a house that looks perfect? Not so fast! Before you sign the agreement or pay any advance, make sure you’re not walking into a rental nightmare.

Here are 10 major red flags to watch out for before finalizing a rental in Lahore — whether you’re dealing directly with the owner or a property agent.

🚩 1. No Written Agreement

If the landlord says “don’t worry, verbal agreement is enough” — run.

Always demand a written contract with:

• Rental duration
• Monthly rent & due date
• Deposit amount
• Notice period
• Maintenance responsibilities

Without it, you have no legal protection.

🚩 2. Demanding Full Advance Without a Visit

If they ask for full payment upfront but don’t let you inspect the property in person — it’s likely a scam.

👉 Rule: Always visit the house before paying anything.

🚩 3. No Proof of Ownership

Some “landlords” are actually middlemen or tenants subletting illegally.

Always ask for property ownership proof like:

• Registry copy
• CNIC of owner
• Utility bill with the owner’s name

🚩 4. Too Good to Be True Pricing

A 1 Kanal home in DHA for just Rs. 30,000/month? 🚨 Huge red flag.

If the rent is way below market — there’s either a catch or it’s a scam. Always compare rent with similar listings in that area.

🚩 5. Pressure to Decide Quickly

“There are 5 other people interested. Decide fast.”
“Give token money or it’ll be gone.”

If someone’s rushing you, take a step back. Real deals can wait a day.

🚩 6. Incomplete or Fake Listing Photos

Low-quality or cropped photos may be hiding something — like damage or poor finishing.

Also, if the pictures look like they’re from another country or taken off Google — do a reverse image search to spot fake listings.

🚩 7. Locked Rooms or Restricted Access

If the landlord says:

“You can’t see that room right now…”
“That part of the house is sealed…”

Don’t ignore it. It could mean the house has issues, illegal portions, or isn’t vacant yet.

🚩 8. Broken Utilities or Fixtures

During your visit, test everything:

• Switches & fans
• Water supply
• Geyser & gas connections
• Bathrooms & drainage

Don’t rely on verbal promises like “We’ll fix it before you move in.”

🚩 9. Unclear Rules for Shared Portions

If you’re renting a portion, ask about:

• Water and gas meter sharing
• Parking space
• Noise restrictions
• Separate entrance

Unclear terms lead to conflicts with owners or other tenants later on.

🚩 10. No Receipts or Rent Slips

Always insist on monthly rent receipts — especially when paying in cash. This protects you from disputes later about missed payments or rent hikes.