How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man's guide

Looking for an apartment to rent in Phnom Penh? We have you covered. This is a good starting point for expats who are in the process of moving to Cambodia to live and work. Finding a villa, condo, flat, or borey to stay in when you arrive is probably one of your top priorities. Check out our listings from the community! And if you have a house or apartment for rent, you're welcome to list it here for free. Kampot, Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville, and other provinces around Cambodia also have places to rent, but you might have better luck finding them on foot after you arrive, as the largest number of listings are in the capital city of Phnom Penh.
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vladimir
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by vladimir »

bendix, this thread is for people who want to use the advice and save money. You obviously don't. That's irrational to many, yes, but it's your prerogative, right?

Now, could you kindly respect our prerogative? Thank you.I own't comment on your lease, I promise.

Only in Cambodia can one get berated for trying to help people make informed decisions and save money. Weird. I guess the people here never factor in money when choosing Cambodia.

Anybody know where I can buy an automatic watch-shaker?
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sateev
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by sateev »

"Does not face east (too hot in the afternoon)"

Sorry, Vlad, but you gotta either change 'east' to 'west', or 'afternoon' to 'morning', or reveal your source of news of the reversal of the Earth's rotation.

That aside, well done, and very useful.

As for watch shakers, I think those kitten statues, with the waving paw that you see in every Chinese shop, plus a little bit of velcro or a rubber band - you get the idea.

And Hi to you and yours...
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vladimir
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by vladimir »

Yes, sateev, you are right, it is west-facing. Will edit it and thanks for pointing that out.

Did the two of you sort out your bureaucratic problem yet?

Regards to both.
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ali baba
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by ali baba »

I paid a local fixer $150 to do the apartment hunt for me. The fee included a shopping trip as well so after I moved in I sent him to the market to buy crockery and sheets.

Pros;
He did all the running around in the hot sun.
He did my tedious shopping.
He negotiated harder than I would saving me money in the long term.

I don't think a lease is all that important here. My landlord didn't bother to renew mine after it expired 5 years ago so I'm paying the same rent w/ the same conditions. It's a good idea to establish where you stand before moving in though.

Another thing to look out for is neighbours jacking your electricity. If the bill seems excessive for the amount you use it is worth getting someone to check the connections.

As to orientation my preference is;
North- minimum sun
West- can watch the sunset and the afternoons are hot anyway
South- too much sun
East- can't really make use of the balcony because there is sun in the mornings and too much heat in the afternoon
Scarier than malaria.
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vladimir
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by vladimir »

Good points, ali baba.

Many times the people hustling your electricity and water are the owners, be aware of this.

Even if you have 'secure' parking, get theft insurance.

One can buy window tinting plastic film for about $1/m2, will help with the heat.

Also get a battery-back up fan for those power cuts, about $50. Will auto-switch on when the power cuts, can run for up to 10 hours.

Use fuse-protected multiplugs to protect expensive appliances, and get a UPS for your computer

Don't leave curtains undrawn. The less people see, the better.

A plastic slush-bucket is usually more effective for ice than even an expensive refrigerator.
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by Mrs Stroppy »

Nice, thanks for all the information! Well written Vlad & Ali Baba.
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by Jaap N. »

Very useful information, thanks vlad!
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ExPenhMan
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by ExPenhMan »

May the good karma gods bless you. :bow:

(Now if I knew how this karma points thingy worked, I'd be anointing you for this great thread. Is it something I will discover as my post count goes up? Thanks)
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frank lee bent
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by frank lee bent »

i hate to say it but Vlad, your knowledge of the simple realities of settling in country are highly marketable.
with a little attention, i am sure you would not need to work as an employee.

you have posted elsewhere about looking for gainful employment.
this sector alone could provide a great living esp as a relocation consultant for multinats.

sometimes the opportunities at our feet are the hardest ones to see. we look to the horizon too much.
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vladimir
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Re: How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man’s guide

Post by vladimir »

ExPenhMan wrote:May the good karma gods bless you. :bow:

(Now if I knew how this karma points thingy worked, I'd be anointing you for this great thread. Is it something I will discover as my post count goes up? Thanks)
Click on my post, + karma points

frank lee bent, thank you.
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