vladimir wrote: ↑Wed May 14, 2014 11:38 am OK, here we go, I think I've covered most aspects, please feel free to ask/make suggestions. This method has helped me find some very nice places.

How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man's guide by Vladimir the Agent-Impaler.

1. Get a map of the town/city you live in.
2. Draw a perimeter around the area you want to live in.
3. Be able to recognize the Khmer script for ˜for rent/sale. The sign is normally posted on the outside of the property in question. If you
see the sign on the first floor balcony, it is that level that is for rent. ( I'd appreciate someone checking the sign, I seem to have lost
my own photo)

4. Get on a motorcycle and drive around the area.
5. Take DISCREET photos of the property and save with the St. suffix, ie #1, St. 240, together with the phone number. The number will
be on the sale/rent sign. II use the photos to weigh up options later. f you have a really good memory, just write down the address.
6. During this process, avoid talking to owners/Khmer onlookers at all costs if possible. Its easy to understand that the best time to do
this would be at night, when you would also get a good idea of the noise levels in the area.
7. Once you have surveyed your area, go home.
8. Make a list of things you need regarding the apartment. Here is my list:

• Quiet: this takes independent research, as an owner will tell you what you want to hear, and many Khmers are immune to noise that annoys westerners. If you see dogs, chickens, metal shops, karaoke bars, RUN! If you hear freshie boy kids doing karaoke at the home next door, RUN!
• Separate entrance.
• Aircon (this can be installed by negotiating if they don’t have it, I paid an extra month’s deposit as the owner spent $400 on a
Panasonic inverter)
• Western toilet
• Glass and steel windows for quiet and security
• Partly furnished, I have my own bed, desk, fridge, gas cooker etc.
• 2 bedrooms
• Secure parking for two motos
• Reliable electricity (it goes without saying that the owner will seldom be honest about this, so you may need to visit EDC)
• Water that does not rely on an electrical pump if the above is dodgy.
• Cable TV/internet. Most houses renting will have cable TV, but few will have internet.
Normal fee for shared TV is $5/month, internet I sup to you.
• Decent water pressure (check at peak times, 6am-830 am)
• I have my own electrical water heater, which goes when I do. About $100.
• Does not face west (too hot in the afternoon)

Now that you have your list, find a Khmer friend to make phone calls for you to ask the rental price and check what each property has in terms of your requirements. In addition, they should ask what deposit is required. One month is standard. If they say 2 or more, and you want to negotiate it, do so if you like the place when you see it..
Write down the rentals next to your list of properties.
Take your Khmer friend and visit the places. If rental prices are adjusted when you visit, RUN!
OK, so let's assume you have found a place. Next step, sign the lease, right?

NO! FAIL!

You should check the lease for the following, which should be clearly stated IN WRITING (your Khmer friend should check the Khmer, and you should get an English copy signed and thumb-printed by the lessor):
I write these things down before and my wife explains them to any potential lessor.
1. Electricity rate should be at EDC rate, no levy by the owner. Apartment should be sub-metered. The tenant should pay at least half the
cost of this, you can buy meters for less than $20. Keep a record of your readings and payments. You can organize payment via Wing,
Google that.
2. Water should be at municipal rate.
3. Garbage removal at municipal rate.
4. Right of fair access to the owner should be provided for by mutual agreement, appointment only.
5. Certain items under maintenance should be the owner's responsibility: wiring, plumbing, aircon, leaking roofs, painting etc.
6. Minor items such as light bulbs and things you damage/break are your responsibility.
7. A provision should be that you give one month's notice, and that the lessor then uses your deposit instead of you paying rental for the
last month.
8. Change all the internal locks, and do not give the owner a copy of keys.
9. Make sure you have bike insurance; the owner is generally not responsible for loss/theft, so get disk locks/chains.

Most Khmers are decent, honest people. Try and respect the owners, and usually you will have no troubles. Avoid bringing bargirls home and doing drugs/noisy drinking and generally they will leave you alone.

I hope that this info empowers people and helps some of you find reasonably-priced accommodation. If we cannot help others on this planet, what is the point?