To rent a condominium, what are the (basic) things we can expect from the owner / agent?
- How much to pay for the deposit to book the unit before the contract is drafted? Some property agent requested 1 month rental payment to serve as deposit just to book the unit. But, hello, we didn't even see that contract yet. But, is it a common thing or the agent company is requesting something that's uncommon?
- 1 time basic clean up for tenants. 2 years before this, for all the renting experience that we had, the agent would mention that the owner is always willing to provide 1 time (basic) wash before tenant moved in. But for now, the agent mentioned there is no such thing, and it is uncommon for owner to offer this, really?
- 1 week buffer. Because it is an unfurnished unit, so we need to get in earlier to measure and purchase the furniture and so on. But the agent insisted that the owner said passing us key 3 to 4 days to buffer are okay, but not more than that? So, actually, what's the difference between 3 to 4 days and 1 week.
I mean, are we asking too much, or the entire renting experience here is not making any sense?

These are all to be agreed upon between the Landlord and the Tenant. There is no fixed rule regarding all these.

If renting through an agent, it is common for the agent to collect 1 month deposit upon signing of the offer. This will basically be converted into their commission upon signing of the tenancy agreement. You have the right to request that your lawyer draft the tenancy agreement to better protect your interest. Normally tenant pays for the legal fees and stamp duty, so do insist on your own lawyers.

Advisable not to use agent's tenancy agreement templates. Normally, it will be badly drafted.

For clean up, subject to negotiations and agreement. No fixed rule on this.

1 week buffer - again, no fixed rule on this. Strictly speaking, landlord does not have to hand the keys over to you earlier before commencement of the tenancy.