Smart Tips for First Time Renters

By Team hovee Rent
August 20, 2025 · 7 min read

For women living independently, renting an apartment comes with unique responsibilities. Beyond rent, location, and amenities, safety should be the top priority. A secure home offers peace of mind, letting you focus on work, studies, or family without constant worry. Whether you’re moving to a new city or shifting within the same locality, here are essential safety tips every woman renter should follow.

1. Choose the Right Location

Your safety starts with the locality you choose. A good location is not just about proximity to offices, markets, or schools—it’s about how secure the area feels.

• Check Neighborhood Safety:

  - Visit the area during both day and night to observe activity levels.

  - Avoid areas with poor street lighting or isolated lanes.

  - Talk to local shopkeepers or residents to get a sense of security in the neighborhood.

• Connectivity Matters:

  - Ensure easy access to metro stations, bus stops, or main roads.

  - Look for neighborhoods with CCTV installations, gated communities, or police patrol presence.

• Reputation of the Area:

  - Do a quick online search for crime reports or safety reviews about the locality.

  - If possible, pick a community with a strong women-friendly reputation.

2. Inspect the Apartment’s Security Features

An apartment might look stylish and comfortable, but safety lies in its security features. Before finalizing, always check:

• Entry and Exit Security:

  - Secure main doors with double locks or smart locks.

  - Peepholes and door chains are small but effective safety additions.

• Building Safety:

  - 24/7 security guard presence in larger apartments.

  - CCTV coverage at entry points, corridors, and parking areas.

  - Restricted visitor access with intercom facilities.

• Windows and Balconies:

  - Check for strong grills or locks on windows and balcony doors.

  - Avoid ground-floor apartments if the locality feels less secure.

• Emergency Exits:

  - Ensure the building has proper fire exits, extinguishers, and escape routes.

3. Build a Network and Stay Aware

Even the safest home can’t replace the value of community and awareness.

• Know Your Neighbors :

  - Introduce yourself to at least one or two trusted neighbors.

  - In case of an emergency, they can be your first point of support.

• Stay Connected :

  - Share your address and landlord’s contact details with family or close friends.

  - Use safety apps like Google Trusted Contacts for quick alerts.

• Be Alert to Red Flags :

  - Avoid landlords or roommates who make you uncomfortable.

  - Trust your instincts—if something feels unsafe, it probably is.

• Choose a Women-Friendly Setup :

  - Consider women-only hostels, PGs, or apartments where possible.

  - Some gated societies in Chennai and other cities have special blocks for women renters.

4. Safe Practices for Daily Living

Once you move in, maintaining safety requires consistent habits.

• At Home :

  - Never share your apartment keys with strangers.

  - Lock doors and windows before sleeping or going out.

  - Avoid revealing too much personal information to delivery personnel or visitors.

• With Visitors :

  - Inform the security guard before expecting any guest or service person.

  - Avoid letting unknown individuals inside without verification.

• Online Safety :

  - Don’t overshare your location or apartment details on social media.

  - If you use rental apps, keep personal discussions minimal until you verify the owner.

• Emergency Preparation :

  - Keep a list of emergency contacts (police helpline, local station, hospital, landlord) handy.

  - Consider keeping basic self-defense tools like pepper spray or a loud whistle.

  - Learn basic self-defense techniques for confidence and preparedness.

Final Thoughts : 

Living independently is empowering, but safety must always come first. As a woman renter, your peace of mind depends on careful choices and alertness.

• Pick a safe locality with good lighting and accessibility.

• Ensure the apartment has strong security features like locks, CCTV, and guards.

• Build a trustworthy support network of neighbors, friends, and family.

• Follow daily safe practices at home and online.

By being proactive and aware, you can enjoy independence without compromising on safety. Remember, it’s not just about renting a house—it’s about creating a secure home where you feel comfortable and confident.

Happy Renting!!!

Interested in exploring our app? 

Visit our website www.hoveerent.com or download the app to get started now. 

More for you to Read : 

• Why Tenants prefer Digital platforms for House Hunting (4 min read)  
• Pros and cons of allowing pets in your rental property (5 min read)
• Furnished vs Unfurnished Homes : Which is better for you? (5 min read) 

By Team hovee Rent
August 20, 2025 · 7 min read

Looking for an apartment in Chennai can feel overwhelming at first. The city is huge, with countless localities, diverse budgets, and different lifestyle preferences. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a family, finding the right apartment requires clarity and planning. To make the process easier, here’s a step-by-step guide to finding apartments for rent in Chennai.

1. Decide Your Budget and Preferred Location

Before you even start searching, the most important step is to identify how much you can spend and where you want to live.

• Budgeting :

  - Average rents in Chennai range from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per month for 1BHK/2BHK in mid-range areas.

  - Premium localities like Anna Nagar, Adyar, Velachery, and Besant Nagar can go above ₹30,000 for spacious apartments.

  - Don’t forget to add security deposit (usually 6–10 months’ rent), maintenance charges, and utility bills.

• Location Choice :

  - Proximity to Work/Education – Choose areas closer to your office or college to save commuting time.

  - Lifestyle Needs – If you like a quiet environment, look at places like ECR or Porur. For busy city life, T. Nagar, Nungambakkam, or Guindy might work.

  - Connectivity – Areas near metro stations, bus stops, and major highways are more convenient.

2. Explore the Right Platforms and Sources

Once you know your budget and locality, the next step is to find listings. Chennai offers multiple platforms and traditional options:

 Emerging rental platforms like hovee Rent offers you a variety of verified properties. With hovee Rent, tenants can easily browse listings, view property details, check amenities, access ratings, and manage subscriptions, all from one trusted platform

3. Check the Apartment and Amenities Carefully

Finding a listing is only half the work—inspection matters. Before finalizing, always check the property in detail.

• Apartment Inspection Checklist :

  - Water supply and power backup.

  - Ventilation and natural light.

  - Quality of construction, plumbing, and electrical fittings.

  - Size of bedrooms, kitchen space, and storage.

• Building Amenities :

  - Lift, security, parking, CCTV, and maintenance staff.

  - Common facilities like gym, park, or play area if you have family needs.

• Neighborhood Essentials :

  - Grocery stores, markets, hospitals, and schools nearby.

  - Safety of the area, especially at night.

  - Traffic conditions during peak hours.

4. Review Rental Agreement and Legal Aspects

One of the most overlooked but important parts of renting is legal clarity. Protect yourself with a proper rental agreement.

• Agreement Must Include :

  - Rent amount and due date.

  - Security deposit details.

  - Duration of the agreement (usually 11 months).

  - Renewal and rent increase clauses.

  - Maintenance responsibilities.

• Verify Ownership :

  - Ensure the landlord is the actual owner. Ask for property documents if necessary.

  - Check if the apartment is free of legal disputes.

• Registration :

  - In Tamil Nadu, registering your rental agreement is always safer. It gives legal weight to your contract.

Final Thoughts : 

Finding an apartment in Chennai doesn’t have to be stressful if you approach it step by step.

• Fix your budget and location first.

• Use online portals, brokers, or direct owner contacts to explore options.

• Inspect the apartment, building, and neighborhood before finalizing.

• Always ensure a clear rental agreement for a smooth stay.

By being practical and systematic, you’ll not only find a house—you’ll find a home that fits your lifestyle. Chennai has something for everyone, from budget-friendly 1BHKs for students to luxurious sea-view apartments for professionals and families. All it takes is patience, planning, and the right resources.

Happy Renting!!!

Interested in exploring our app? 

Visit our website www.hoveerent.com or download the app to get started now. 

More for you to Read : 

• Why Tenants prefer Digital platforms for House Hunting (4 min read)  
• Pros and cons of allowing pets in your rental property (5 min read)
• Furnished vs Unfurnished Homes : Which is better for you? (5 min read) 

By Team hovee Rent
August 20, 2025 · 7 min read 

In today’s fast-paced rental market, finding a suitable home or the right tenant is no longer the only challenge. Ensuring trust and security between both parties—tenant and owner—has become equally important. With rising cases of rental fraud, misuse of property, and safety concerns, verification is not just a formality, but a necessity. Both tenants and owners benefit from a transparent verification process that protects rights, reduces risks, and builds trust.

1. Why Tenant Verification is Essential for Owners

For property owners, handing over their home to a tenant involves both financial and personal trust. Without proper verification, the risks increase significantly.

• Preventing Fraudulent Tenants :

  - Verifying identity helps ensure tenants are genuine and not using fake details.

  - Reduces chances of illegal subletting or misuse of property.

• Ensuring Financial Reliability :

  - Employment verification confirms whether the tenant has a stable income.

  - Helps assess if rent can be paid on time without default.

• Safety of Property and Neighbors :

  - Criminal background checks ensure the tenant has no history of misconduct.

  - Owners also protect the reputation and safety of their property.

• Legal Compliance :

  - Many cities in India, including Chennai, require police verification of tenants.

  - Following this step protects owners legally in case of disputes.

2. Why Owner Verification Matters for Tenants

Tenants are equally vulnerable when dealing with new landlords or property managers. Verifying the owner is just as important for ensuring a safe and fair renting experience.

• Avoiding Rental Scams :

  - Fake owners sometimes list properties online and collect advance payments.

  - Verification confirms if the landlord is the actual property owner.

• Ensuring Fair Practices :

  - Valid documents protect tenants from sudden rent hikes or unlawful eviction.

  - Transparency ensures that all conditions are clearly mentioned in the rental agreement.

• Legal Security :

  - An unverified landlord may refuse to provide agreements, leaving tenants without legal backing.

  - Verification helps tenants assert their rights in disputes.

• Trust and Transparency :

  - A verified landlord builds confidence, ensuring a smoother rental relationship.

3. How to Verify Tenants and Owners Effectively

Verification is a simple process if done step by step. Both parties should follow structured checks for transparency.

• Tenant Verification Checklist (for Owners):

  - Collect government ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport).

  - Verify employment details with company ID or offer letter.

  - Ask for previous rental references, if possible.

  - Conduct police verification through local authorities.

• Owner Verification Checklist (for Tenants) :

  - Ask for property ownership documents (sale deed, property tax receipt, or electricity bill).

  - Request a copy of the owner’s ID proof.

  - Ensure the rental agreement mentions the actual landlord’s name.

  - If dealing with an agent, confirm authorization from the property owner.

• Digital Verification Tools :

  - Many rental apps and portals now offer in-app verification services.

  - Police verification forms can also be submitted online in most cities.

4. Benefits of Proper Verification for Both Sides

When both tenants and owners verify each other, it creates a win-win situation with multiple benefits.

• Trust and Transparency : Builds a healthy rental relationship without suspicion.

• Safety : Protects property, tenants, and the community from unlawful activities.

• Legal Protection : Reduces risks of disputes, fraud, or court cases.

• Peace of Mind : Both sides can focus on living and renting without constant worry.

• Long-Term Relationship : Verified rentals often result in longer, hassle-free tenancies.

Final Thoughts

Tenant and owner verification is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about building trust, safety, and transparency.

• Owners safeguard their property by ensuring genuine tenants.

• Tenants protect themselves from scams by confirming real landlords.

• Simple steps like ID checks, employment verification, and police verification go a long way.

By making verification a standard practice, both sides avoid risks and enjoy a secure, stress-free rental experience. In a city like Chennai, where the rental market is dynamic and demand is high, proper verification is the foundation of a reliable owner-tenant relationship.

Happy Renting!!!

Interested in exploring our app? 

Visit our website www.hoveerent.com or download the app to get started now. 

More for you to Read : 

• Why Tenants prefer Digital platforms for House Hunting (4 min read)  
• Pros and cons of allowing pets in your rental property (5 min read)
• Furnished vs Unfurnished Homes : Which is better for you? (5 min read)