The Suitcase Test — How to Confirm a Flat is Truly Move-In Ready

Before signing the L&L agreement for a "fully furnished" flat in Vesu, conduct the Suitcase Test: walk through the flat and ask yourself, "If I arrived with just my suitcase tonight, could I sleep here comfortably and make breakfast tomorrow?" If the answer is no — the flat is not fully furnished, regardless of what the listing says.

The Suitcase Test checklist: (1) Is there a bed + mattress in the master bedroom? Not just a bed frame — a mattress you can sleep on tonight. (2) Is the refrigerator plugged in and running? Check the temperature dial — is it on? (3) Is the washing machine connected to water supply? Turn it on for a test cycle. (4) Are ACs installed and functional? Run each one for 5 minutes in cooling mode. (5) Are there at least 4 plates, glasses, and a pot in the kitchen? (Landlord's basic set — confirm this is included or excluded.) (6) Is the Wi-Fi router set up with a working connection? (7) Are the geysers functional? Test hot water in at least one bathroom. If all seven pass — the flat is genuinely move-in ready. If two or more fail — the flat is semi-furnished at best, and the landlord should adjust rent or fulfil the stated specification before you sign.

Putting the inventory in the L&L agreement. For any furnished flat, insist on including the complete inventory as Annexure A to the L&L agreement — a room-by-room list of every item included (with condition: "good," "fair," etc.). This serves two purposes: (1) it binds the landlord to maintain or replace listed items during the tenancy, and (2) it protects you from deductions at the time of vacating for items that were already missing or broken when you moved in. We routinely include furnished flat inventories in the L&L agreements we draft for VR Properties clients. Call +91 79906 47288.