Checking property rights and mortgages before signing the contract; all payments must be transferred with a purpose note

Cost: No cost involved. The check takes about half an hour.
In plain terms: The two most common ways people end up losing all their money are: first, paying rent to someone who isn’t the property owner; second, discovering that the house was already mortgaged to a bank and later seized. Before signing, verify both the property rights and any existing mortgages at the local land registry office. All payments must be made via bank transfer, with a note stating “Monthly rent for [property address]”. This note serves as direct proof in case of any disputes.
Benefit: These two scenarios represent the typical ways people lose all their money: paying rent to a non-owner, or dealing with a property that’s already mortgaged and seized. Keeping a transfer note that reads “Monthly rent for [property address]” provides solid evidence if a dispute arises later.
Evidence grade: C
Sources:作者经验，无直接文献；证据留存与转账备注同理见第 8 节关于彩礼和借条的两条
Notes: Property rights information can be obtained from the local land registry office. At the time of signing, the actual owner must be present; if not, a written authorization is required. If you’re renting from a sub-landlord, written consent from the original owner is mandatory.