Short-term apartment rentals are a popular choice for tourists, business travelers, or anyone who needs a temporary place to stay. However, many people encounter unnecessary trouble due to lack of experience or not doing enough research before booking a rental. Here are some common mistakes when renting a short-term apartment and how to avoid them to have the best rental experience.
Not checking the contract carefully when renting a short-term apartment
One of the most serious mistakes when renting a short-term apartment is not reading the contract carefully before signing.
A rental contract is not just an administrative document, but also plays an important role as a legal basis to protect the rights of both the tenant and the landlord.
Failure to carefully review it can cause you to inadvertently agree to unfavorable terms, leading to financial risks or legal disputes.
How to avoid this mistake
Read the contract carefully before signing
- Check all important terms such as rental period, rental price, additional fees, deposit refund conditions, rights and obligations of each party.
- Make sure the contract has clear information about any additional costs (if any), to avoid having to pay extra without prior notice.
Make sure the contract has clear information about any additional costs (if any), to avoid having to pay extra without prior notice.
- If your plans are subject to change, find out about the cancellation policy.
- If your plans are subject to change, find out about the cancellation policy.
It is very important to consult the apartment’s detailed information when you need to rent an apartment short-term.
Clarify the number of people staying
- Some contracts limit the maximum number of guests allowed in the apartment. Violation of this provision can result in fines or even immediate termination of the contract.
- If you plan to have additional guests staying with you, make sure it is allowed by the landlord and clearly stated in the contract.
Check for signs of fraud before depositing
- If a landlord asks for a deposit but does not provide a clear contract, this could be a sign of a scam.
- Check the reputation of the landlord or rental unit, request a signed and fully disclosed contract before transferring any money.
Reading the contract carefully not only helps you avoid unnecessary risks but also ensures your rental experience goes smoothly and safely.
>> With a professional working system, you can completely trust the Na Land Apartment team when you intend to rent a short-term apartment.
Not checking the short-term apartment rental status before signing the contract
Many people rent short-term apartments based on online photos without actually checking them, which leads to checking in to a room in a condition that is not as expected.
This can cause many inconveniences during the stay, such as an unclean apartment, dilapidated furniture, or not fully equipped as advertised.
How to avoid this mistake:
Request real photos and latest updates
- Do not rely solely on images posted on websites or booking platforms, as they may have been edited or may not reflect the current condition of the apartment.
- Please contact the landlord directly to request additional recent photos or videos to give you a more accurate view of the apartment.
Check the actual condition of the apartment before booking
- If you have time and conditions, you should go see the apartment directly before deciding to rent, especially for long-term contracts or when renting in an unfamiliar area.
- This helps you accurately assess living space, interior quality and actual amenities.
Read reviews from previous tenants carefully.
- On booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking, Agoda, there are often reviews from guests who have stayed there.
- Take the time to read these reviews carefully, especially the most recent ones, to see if the apartment is actually as described.
Always refer to feedback from customers who have previously rented that short-term apartment.
Check carefully upon check-in
- As soon as you receive the apartment, check the entire condition of the furniture, electrical equipment, water, air conditioning, wifi and other utilities.
- If you find any problems such as damage, missing items or anything that is not as agreed, notify the landlord immediately to get it fixed or avoid having your deposit deducted later.
Take photos of the apartment’s current condition before use.
- To avoid disputes after check-out, you should take detailed photos of the apartment upon check-in, including furniture, electrical appliances and important areas.
- This gives you evidence if there is a dispute about damage or loss after the end of the rental period.
Checking the apartment carefully before renting not only helps you avoid unwanted experiences but also ensures your rights during your stay.
>> Coming to Na Land Apartment, you not only have the opportunity to experience apartments right next to West Lake but can also freely explore the apartment before renting.
Carefully research the amenities when you need to rent a short-term apartment to avoid many unexpected fees.
How to avoid this mistake
Ask about fees before booking
Before confirming a short-term apartment rental, ask the landlord or rental agent for a complete list of potential fees, including:
- Cleaning Fee: Some apartments impose a mandatory cleaning fee after guests check out.
- Service Charges: May include maintenance fees, security fees or other management costs.
- Parking fees: If you have a motorbike or car, check to see if parking is free or if there is a separate fee.
- Extra person fee: Some hosts limit the number of guests and charge extra for extra people.
Confirm total cost in writing to avoid disputes
- Ask the landlord to clearly list all costs in the lease or exchange messages to ensure there are no hidden costs.
- If you book through platforms like Airbnb, Booking, please check the “Price Details” section carefully before paying.
Check how your electricity and water bills are calculated to avoid being charged high prices.
- Some apartments do not include electricity and water costs in the rent but charge separately according to consumption.
- Ask clearly about the applicable price and compare it with the government price to avoid being charged higher than usual.
- If you are renting an apartment for a longer period, you can ask to see the previous guest’s utility bill to get an idea of the average price.
Avoid hidden utility fees
- If the apartment has amenities like a pool, gym, or laundry room, ask if they are free. Some places may charge a daily or monthly fee.
- If you use support services such as regular cleaning or changing bed sheets, confirm whether there are additional charges.
Understanding the fees before renting will help you plan your finances properly, avoid unexpected expenses, and ensure a smooth stay.
Short-term apartment rentals are more convenient and comfortable than hotels, but if you are not careful, you can get into a lot of trouble. To avoid common mistakes when renting a short-term apartment, always check the contract carefully, confirm the condition of the apartment before checking in, and clarify all additional costs.
Hopefully, with the above experiences, you will have the safest, most economical, and most comfortable short-term apartment rental experience!
