Living in a big city like Chennai is the stuff that dreams are made of. You’re in a place with a rich and vibrant culture, in the midst of innovation and excitement. So, when it comes to finding the perfect accommodation for yourself, any old girls/ladies hostel in Chennai won’t do. You need to find a place that suits your needs and lives up to your standards and expectations. And as you begin your search, you’ll come across a range of hostels and PGs with different things to offer.
In order to help you steer clear of any housing mistakes and find the accommodation that’s best for you, we’ve got you a list of the red flags you need to watch out for while on your housing hunt. If the PG or hostel that you’re checking out is making one of these mistakes, you’re best skipping out on it. So, let’s take a look at the red flags that’ll help you make an informed decision.
It has perfect reviews
Okay, this might sound counterintuitive at first, but think about it. There’s no place under the sun that’s actually perfect, and the hostel or PG that you’re searching for online probably isn’t either. But if you see a listing with tonnes of five star reviews and no negative comments, take it with a pinch of salt. You need to do your due diligence and find out whether those reviews are genuine. It could be really easy for a landlord or broker to post false or fake reviews online to make their property seem more attractive. But don’t get bowled over by the comments, visit the property yourself and reach out to some residents (or even better, ex-residents) for the truth about the hostel you’re considering.
There’s no proper ventilation
Look, we know space is a constraint in most hostels and PGs but it shouldn’t impede your air quality. If the room that you’re viewing has no windows, you might initially think that it won’t affect your life, but remember that you’ll have to live in that space every day. Rooms without proper ventilation tend to be hotter and stuffier than those that do have space for circulation. And if you’re living with a roommate, you know that means double the claustrophobia. Especially in a city that runs as hot as Chennai, having good ventilation is super important.
You’re asked to put down money before you commit
Whether you’re exploring PGs, hostels or studio apartments, if your broker or landlord asks you to pay a deposit before you’ve even visited the property or signed a lease, you should know that something is fishy. No broker or landlord can ask you for a payment until a valid contract has been agreed upon. If they are, it could be that their listing isn’t genuine or they’re trying to scam you. Do not agree to making any payments until you’ve seen the place and signed your rental agreement.
The common areas aren’t maintained
When you’re visiting a potential hostel or a PG, don’t just look at your room. Pay attention to the washrooms, dining halls and other common areas. If there are obvious signs of damage or disrepair, you know that the landlord or warden probably isn’t doing their job. This could be having a negative impact on the hygiene standards and quality of life in the PG as a whole. Feel free to ask your landlord or broker about their policy on maintenance, repairs or housekeeping to make a truly informed decision.
There are no amenities
Even if the hostel you’re considering isn’t a place like Stanza Living which provides a large number of amenities and living comforts, there are some basic facilities that any hostel or PG should be providing. Whether that’s basic furniture, a clean washroom, a washing machine, electricity or more. And these costs should ideally be built into your monthly rent. Make sure you know exactly what amenities your hostel or PG offers as well as the payments for them. You don’t want to book a place that you thought had all-inclusive amenities only to be saddled with five different bills after living there for a month.
Keeping an eye out for these red flags will save you time, money and hassle and help you find the accommodation that’s perfect for you. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and find your new housing in the most stress-free way.
