Condos give you security, a pool and a gym, and usually a building office (the juristic person) that handles common areas and rules. Houses give you space and privacy but more responsibility for maintenance. Serviced apartments cost more but include cleaning and bills, which makes them a good first home.

Ask whether the rent includes furniture, internet and building fees, and how electricity and water are billed.

• Water: pressure and hot water in every bathroom
• Air-con: every unit, and when it was last serviced
• Noise: roads, construction, bars and lifts
• Signal and internet: which providers serve the building
• Building rules: pets, guests, deliveries and parking

Since 1 May 2018, businesses renting out five or more residential units must follow controlled-contract rules: a deposit and advance rent of no more than one month each, electricity and water charged at no more than the official rates, and the deposit returned promptly at the end of the lease. Tenants can end the lease early with at least 30 days’ written notice.

Individual condo owners letting a single unit are not covered by those rules, so the contract is what protects you. Ask for a bilingual version, and make sure it covers notice, repairs, early termination and how the deposit is returned.

Your landlord must notify immigration within 24 hours that you are living at the property (TM30). Keep a copy of the receipt, because immigration offices ask for it with extensions and 90-day reports. For problems, report repairs in writing, and use the juristic office for building issues such as noise, leaks from other units and common areas.