Accommodation on Rent

If you are staying in a secured colony whether it be a gated community of small independent set ups or a colony of apartments or condos, you will need to pay the maintenance amount over and above the rent, which is usually not covered under the income tax/HRA deductions.

While the maintenance may as be as low as Rs. 500 in some areas, it can also go up to Rs. 2000- 3000 in colonies that provide you more facilities.

Make sure you get a proper rental agreement signed, and keep a copy of it with you. You may need this as proof of address for getting gas connections or even for getting a visa.

The agreement is usually signed for a period of 11 months. Every year the rent usually goes up by 10% of the previous rental amount.

You can get apartments that may be fully furnished to those that have just the basic fittings. Going by the Hyderabadi dictionary – fully furnished refers to all light and water fittings, cupboards in the rooms and cabinets in the kitchen. Unless specified, it may or may not include the other woodwork such as cabinets or furniture.

Though most nuclear families that shift to Hyderabad require 2 bhks (acronym for an apartment with 2 bedrooms, one hall, and one kitchen), you will come across the following types in decreasing order of availability:

• 3 bhks (about 70%)
• 1bhk (About 15%)
• 4 bhks (About 10%)
• 2bhk (About 5%)

In case you are not shifting in with families, you can even consider shared accommodation and guest houses based upon your budget and needs.