We rented a condo in a decent building in a decent area back in the 1990s. It was on Roxas Blvd., close to the Grand Boulevard Hotel.
One unexpected thing we ran into, but there was common (at least then) was "3 months' deposit; 3 months' advance" requirement. So we had to hand over 6 months' rent at the start. And, as posted by medic, we were expected to repair everything.
We left the place in better condition than we found it, but that did not stop the L/L from retaining all of our security deposit, saying that even such things as a toilet required replacement after we left. Not much you can do about it. They hold the money. You can start a lawsuit to recover, I suppose, but I would not expect much good to come of that.