Paying Guests in Mumbai – some tips

Every year, many youngsters arrive in Mumbai and other big cities in pursuit of higher education or for jobs. For youngsters who dont have homes in big cities guest (Paying Guest) accommodations and hostels are a saviour. Finding a good paying guest is not easy, as several important aspects have to be considered, including security, basic amenities, accessibility and cost. The rent of paying guest accommodations varies according to the facilities available. The cost of hostels and paying guest accommodations may include an advance and a monthly rental and could include electricity and water charges. Most single, young working women choose to pool resources for a paying guest accommodation or sharing an apartment.

Find Paying Guest accommodation in Bandra, Dadar and other places.

As a result of this trend keeping paying guests has become a flourishing business in cities like Mumbai. The major players in this arena are mostly elderly men and women, and matronly ladies whose homes have additional space that they do not require. A paying guest makes use of these additional rooms, shares meals with the family members, uses the owner’s bath and toilet facilities. The paying guest makes use of the basic facilities available e.g. power connection, water supply telephone, television etc. Some home owners will put restrictions on timings, electricity consumption, noise levels, smoke or drinking without the owner’s permission, etc.

The paying guest system can come with its set of problems also. A landlord charges the paying guests exorbitantly, so that the young people almost pay through their noses. In some cases, the house owners deny their paying guests the use of basic appliances like electric iron, immersion rods and music systems. At the peak of summer, the paying guests often have to make do with rickety ceiling fans. Dusting and cleaning of the rooms have to be done by the residents themselves, as maids are often not allowed in. Often the house owners compromise on the quality as well as the variety of meals. Security is another issue with paying guests. Young people complain of how the landlords often interfere in their private lives. Telephone facilities often prove to be a huge issue for paying guests. Though normally telephoning facilities are to be made available to the paying guests, very often the house owners deny access to even incoming local calls, not to speak of outstation/long distance ones. Making phone calls from the house is mostly ruled out.

Since the system of paying guests may well be termed as a necessary evil, the young paying guests can take the following steps to avoid issues later:

1. Do a reference check. Checkout the antecedents and the background of the house owners. It would be advisable to put up with families already known to you or your friends.

2. Do a proper paying guest agreement. When you enter a written agreement with the house owners make sure you have a couple of witnesses. Be sure to get the agreement/rules and regulations documented so as to avoid complications.

3. Protect your valuables. Keep your valuables, precious possessions in the bank lockers rather than keeping them at home. Remember to lock your room before going out. Use your own lock and key instead of a lock with duplicate keys, one of which is inevitably retained by the landlords.

4. Behave in a balanced manner. Be polite and civil with your landlords but do not get too familiar. If the landlord’s visitors or guests happen to bother you, sort out the matter by confronting the offender, instead of just keeping quiet.

5. Be clear and Upfront to avoid surprises. Right in the beginning make your intentions and demands clear to the landlord. Put your foot down firmly regarding visits by family members and friends, your dress code, daily habits etc. In case these are not acceptable, you could look for accommodation elsewhere.

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