How to Rent a Home in Philippines

Navigating the process of renting a home in Philippines for the first time can feel overwhelming. Numerous questions might arise: Should I consult a lawyer? Are appliances typically included in rentals? How can I discover quality rental properties? Which neighborhoods will best suit my needs? These are just the tip of the iceberg. Dive in for answers to these pressing questions and gain insights from our members who've made Philippines their home.

"Moving to the Philippines can be an exciting adventure, but finding the right apartment to rent can seem daunting. This guide is designed to help expats navigate the Philippine rental market, understanding the processes, requirements, and local customs to secure the perfect living space.

How Do You Find a Rental Property?

Finding a rental property in the Philippines can be done through various methods. Online platforms like Lamudi, ZipMatch, and Dot Property are popular for listing available rentals. Additionally, real estate agencies and local newspaper classifieds can be valuable resources. Networking through local forums, social media groups, and word-of-mouth can also lead to good rental opportunities.

Does the Philippines Have an MLS Type System?

The Philippines does not have a centralized Multiple Listing Service (MLS) like that in the United States. However, many real estate websites aggregate listings from various sources, functioning similarly to an MLS. These platforms allow users to filter searches based on location, price, and other preferences.

Do Brokers Have Licenses and How Do I Know If They Are Licensed?

Real estate brokers in the Philippines are required to be licensed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). To verify a broker's license, you can check the PRC's official website or ask the broker for their license number and cross-reference it with the PRC's records. Always ensure you are working with a licensed professional to safeguard your interests.

Should I Buy or Rent?

Deciding whether to buy or rent depends on your personal circumstances and plans. Renting offers flexibility and is ideal for those who are not yet familiar with the local real estate market or are not ready to commit to a long-term investment. Buying, on the other hand, can be a good option for those planning to stay long-term and wishing to build equity.

Is It Difficult to Find Rentals in the Philippines?

The difficulty of finding rentals can vary depending on the location. In major cities like Manila, Makati, and Cebu, the rental market can be competitive, especially for high-quality properties in prime areas. However, with patience and the right resources, suitable rentals can be found.

What Documents Are Required When Renting an Apartment?

When renting an apartment, you will typically need to provide the following documents: a valid passport, a certificate of employment or proof of income, a character reference (often from a previous landlord or employer), and a completed rental application form. Some landlords may also require a Philippine ID or a guarantor if you are new to the country.

Do I Need a Lawyer When Renting an Apartment in the Philippines?

While it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer when renting an apartment, it can be beneficial, especially for reviewing the lease agreement. A lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and that the terms of the contract are fair. Legal fees can vary, but they typically range from PHP 5,000 to PHP 20,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience.

How Long Is the Typical Lease For?

The typical lease term in the Philippines is one year, with the option to renew. Some landlords may offer shorter leases, such as six months, especially for furnished units or in high-demand areas. It is essential to discuss the lease terms with the landlord and ensure they align with your needs.

Do I Have to Pay a Deposit?

Yes, a security deposit is usually required when renting an apartment. The deposit is typically equivalent to one or two months' rent and is refundable at the end of the lease, provided there is no damage to the property. Additionally, some landlords may require an advance payment of one month's rent.

What Other Upfront Costs Are There When Renting?

In addition to the security deposit and advance rent, other upfront costs may include an application fee, broker's fee (if applicable), and utility deposits. Some landlords may also charge a small fee for the preparation of the lease agreement. It is crucial to clarify all upfront costs with the landlord before signing the lease.

Are Utilities Included?

Utilities are not typically included in the rental price in the Philippines. Tenants are usually responsible for setting up and paying for their own electricity, water, internet, and other utilities. The cost of utilities can vary but is generally considered affordable compared to many other countries. Always confirm with the landlord which utilities, if any, are included in the rent.

Are Furnished or Unfurnished Rentals More Popular?

Both furnished and unfurnished rentals are popular in the Philippines, depending on the tenant's preference and the property type. Furnished rentals usually include basic furniture, a refrigerator, and sometimes other kitchen appliances like a stove and microwave. Unfurnished rentals may come with built-in cabinets and kitchen counters, but tenants will need to provide their own furniture and appliances," said one expat living in Philippines.

Expats Talk about What Type of Housing They Live In

"I have three property experiences in the Philippines. I'll start with the rental townhouse in Cebu City. It was a great size with a large kitchen area and living room and dining area, two 15'x12' bedrooms... but sadly became flooded every time there was heavy rain. We were at a low point of the neighborhood. Next was the townhouse in Naga City. It belongs to my ex-wife's family. I renovated it for my wife and daughter to live in while she attended nursing school. After throwing $12,000 at it, and with the help of my very talented and trustworthy brother in law, it came out beautifully. Third is my current fiancée's family's home in Negros. I retire next year, so I haven't spent any time in the house, but another 12-15,000 US later and wala! Another masterpiece. I transformed what was only a boxed in frame of a house into two bedroom, beautiful bathroom, and added kitchen WITH a dirty kitchen as well," said one expat living in Philippines.

"I don't know any other expand personally so I can't say what's "typical", but I can tell you about my home and others no found whole looking for it. I have a 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhouse in Mactan (near deny city). It came fully furnished for $460 per month. This was a good deal, better than most, but not incredible. Most homes here have showers rather than bathtubs. They do not have big tank water heaters like in the US. The only hot water is in the shower, and so there's a small water heater in the bathroom. Kitchen and bathroom sinks are cold water only. Homes are typically smaller than in the US. A one bedroom apartment is usually 500 square feet or so. 1000 square feet is considered a big place and you'll pay extra for it. Refrigerator is just like US, though typically smaller. Common to have a microwave. If it doesn't come with the place, you can buy one easily enough. Stove s are usually gas. But they don't pipe gas in like in the US. You have a big tank under the counter and when it runs out you call a gas company to refill it. Oh, you don't drink the tap water. It isn't filtered and processed here like in the US. Tap water is for washing. Drink bottled water. Most middle class and upper homes have a water dispenser with a big jug. Like offices used to have in the US. Ours has a hot water dispenser, it heats a cup or two of water at a time, which is really handy for tea or instant coffee. Internet is readily available. I'm paying $35 per month for 200 mbps. That's roughly typical in the cities," wrote a member in Cebu.

"Because our area is in the tropics and and typhoons are a possibility along with termites I had the home made with concrete and steel construction. There is very little wood. We were living here when typhoon Yolanda struck in November 2013. It was the highest recorded winds in Philippine history. Our only damage was our rain gutters were damaged and some older trees came down," commented one expat who made the move to Isabel.

Expats Talk about How they Found their Home

"My wife's father whom has lived all his life in our area helped to find the property as I wanted to overlook the ocean from our new home. I had a new home built to my spec's so when we arrived the house was good to go," commented an expat living in Isabel.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in the Philippines is to use an online rental marketplace such as looloo.com, housing.com.ph, or property24.com. These sites allow you to search for available rental properties according to your individual needs, such as location, size, budget, and amenities. Additionally, you may want to consider using the services of a real estate agent who is familiar with the property market in the area you are interested in residing. A real estate agent can provide valuable advice and can make your search for a suitable residence easier. You can also find listings for rentals in newspapers as well as online classifieds such as OLX or Airbnb. Finally, you can also network with friends and families to see if anyone has a vacant apartment or house for rent," said an expat in Philippines.