Renting your first flat

Renting your first flat is exciting, but it's also where many people lose money. Whether you're moving to Hanoi for university or to Ho Chi Minh City for work, a few simple checks can save you a lot of stress. Here's what I wish someone had told me before I signed my first contract.

Start with the budget, and be honest about it. A good rule is that rent shouldn't be more than a third of your monthly income. Don't forget the extras. Electricity and water are sometimes charged at higher rates than households normally pay, and many buildings add fees for parking, internet and rubbish collection. Ask the landlord for the exact figures in writing.

Next, visit the place at the time you'll actually be there. A room that seems quiet at noon can be very loud at ten at night. Run the taps, flush the toilet and check the water pressure. Look at the ceiling and the corners of the walls for damp, and ask what the street is like when it rains. In some neighbourhoods, flooding is a real problem.

Then read the contract slowly, even if the landlord seems friendly. Check who is responsible for repairs, how much notice you have to give before leaving, and what happens to your deposit. Most landlords ask for one or two months' rent upfront. Take photos of every scratch and stain on the day you move in, and send them by message so there's a record.

Finally, think about the people you'll live with. Sharing is cheaper and often more fun, but only if you agree on the rules at the start. Who buys the cleaning supplies? Can friends stay over? What about the kitchen at weekends? An awkward conversation in the first week is much easier than an argument in the fifth month.

Moving day will probably still feel chaotic, and that's fine. Pack a bag with the things you'll need on the first night: bedding, a towel, a phone charger and snacks. By the second week, the place should start to feel like yours. Mine did, and I've been there for three years now.