How To Find A Home In Mumbai | Part 2 Of The Mumbai Starter Kit

Chalo Ghar ghar khelein...

So let’s talk of home. Away from home. In Mumbai for some time? You can’t live on the streets bruh. Meet Purnangshu Paul. Originally from Jharkhand, he came to Mumbai looking for work of the creative kind. Today apart from being a storyteller at InsideIIM, Paul loves to hang out at Juhu Beach and watch the sun set.

Listen to Paul as he takes you through the ins and outs of renting a home in Mumbai.

Beware Of Fakes

The budget Paul talks of is somewhere between 2-5K INR. Basically, make sure that you check any flats that brokers show you for hidden problem areas. Leakages (especially during the rains), bugs and pests, even ask around to find out if the place has 24 Hrs water supply! Don't be duped like Paul. That said, not all brokers are out to cheat you. So how do you find the good ones...?

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How To Find A Broker In Mumbai

Points to remember:

1. Contact friends & family and connect with brokers and agents via them.

2. If you're already in Mumbai, looking for a place, note that your local milkman, istriwala, chai- sutta wala, tapri, anyone could be brokers or agents. Even the garbage cleaning kachrawala may be a broker. The smart thing to do? Ask around!

3. Websites like housing.com, magicbricks.com, nobroker.com, 99acres.com, etc will help you but not for seriously budget accommodations. You do get lots of options on these websites, and may just strike gold. But not necessarily. Which is why, finding a good broker will really help you find a good place to live in.

4. Ask your broker about 3 non negotiable things: Accessibility, Amenities, Security.

5. Don't pay more than a month's rent as commission to the broker.

6. Apart from broker fees, you'll be paying a security deposit as discussed with the landlord. You will also pay registration and police verification costs.

6. Registration & verification will cost you between 1000 -2000 INR.

How To Find & Select A Home In Mumbai

Points to remember:

1. Use social media, especially Facebook groups like flats & flatmates to find a flat or house in Mumbai.

2. If your budget is between 8-10K INR, you can also opt for PG or paying guest accommodations.

 

PG Vs. Rented Apartment - What's Better

 

Points to remember:

1. You may not be allowed to bring your non veg food in a PG. Basically live accordingly to the rules set by the home owners.

2. You need to check for all these rules before you join the PG. Find out about wifi rules, whether you can use the AC, stove, fridge, etc. Find out whether you have to arrange your own meals or the owners will supply you with these.

3. You don't have to worry about finding roommates in a PG. The home owners will do that anyway.

4. If you've rented a flat, you will have to hire a cook, hire a maid, hire your gas cylinders if required, arrange wifi or data, arrange basic amenities like a fridge or microwave (if the flat does not have them), etc.

5. In a rented apartment, you have to take care of laundry, groceries and maintenance of the house as well.

6. Pro Tip: When looking to hook up wi-fi, contact the most local cable operators. They are also very reliable service providers in the city.

7. Pro Tip: When looking for a cook or a maid, ask around. Ask your neighbours and building watchmen. They will suggest the most reliable and trustworthy people you can employ. Further, find out what your neighbours, friends and colleagues pay their maids and cooks. This is how you know that you are not being swindled.

8. The best thing about a rented flat: the independence you get to do whatever you want!

How To Furnish Your Space

Points to remember:

1. You can get a semi furnished, unfurnished or furnished flat.

2. Chances are, you'll be living in an empty flat. You can buy new furniture with a roommate splitting the cost. Or you can rent from Furlenco, Rentomojo or Pepperfry.

Best of luck finding your feet in Mumbai! In the next part, we'll tell you about how you can feel at home away from by whipping up some lip smacking 3 and simple recipes!