General information only, not medical, legal, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional.

Write the deposit, the return, and the deductions

Cost: freeEffect: mediumEvidence C

In one line

How much you leave, when it comes back, and what can be taken out. Put that in the contract before you sign. A Japanese deposit and a U.S. security deposit both get more than a verbal promise.

What it costs

Free. About 10 minutes before you sign.

What you get

The point is fewer surprise deductions. The Chinese rental regulation cited in the book was removed, so the grade is C. What is enforceable depends on the local rule. Check it.

How strong the evidence is

C. What the grades mean

Source

Habit generalized from book item 15-1.

Watch-outs

On move-out day, photograph the walls, the floors, and the utility meters with the landlord. That note is from the book.

Adapted from HowToLiveBetter item 15-1.

Next habit

If you smell gas, don’t touch the fan switch

Shut the valve, open a window, don’t touch a light or a fan switch, get outside, then call the gas company. Replace an expired hose. Don’t redo the pipes yourself.

Cost: lowEffect: largeEvidence C

Best value