Some landlords (although admittedly this happens everywhere) will try and keep your deposit even if you have paid all you owe to them and have no outstanding debts. In order to prevent this being an issue, arrange with your landlord that if he has, for example, two months’ deposit from you, once you give your two months’ notice, you will not pay rent for the remainder of your tenancy. He will then keep your deposit and you will have no fees outstanding. This must be agreed in advance but many landlords are happy to do this for good tenants.

Check rental prices with other expatriates, online communities and as many similar properties as possible to find out if you’re getting a good deal.