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I will be moving to Phnom Penh soon and I would like to know if there are any rooms available for rent for $150/month, specifically in the "Chbaa Ampov" area. I'm currently renting a lovely flat in Sihanoukville for only $130/month, but I'm not planning on finding anything as nice in Phnom Penh. I don't need AC, however WIFI is a must. Also, is it possible to find an apartment that doesn't require a one-month payment up front? I don't mind paying a deposit, but putting down one-month's rent on top of that is too much. I've wasted money in Sihanoukville changing buildings due to noisy neighbors keeping me up at night. The room doesn't need to be anything special, just cheap. I work a lot, and travel on the weekends, so I won't have time to use it very much. I'm mainly looking for an apartment, however a guesthouse is plausible as well. Thank you so much for your help!

BDT92 wrote: ↑Mon May 29, 2017 6:16 pmI don't mind paying a deposit, but putting down one-month's rent on top of that is too much.

Then, sadly for you, you won't be leasing in Phnom Penh.

StroppyChops, just in case I'm misunderstood, I mean that I don't want to put down two deposits. I'm not saying that I don't want to pay my rent.

BDT92 wrote: ↑Mon May 29, 2017 6:30 pm StroppyChops, just in case I'm misunderstood, I mean that I don't want to put down two deposits. I'm not saying that I don't want to pay my rent.

I think I understood - for clarity, every lease I've ever heard of in Phnom Penh has required one month's rent as deposit, and the first month's rent in advance. Others may have had different experiences, but this is what I've observed.

Just avoid deposit plus 2 months rent.

StroppyChops wrote:

BDT92 wrote: ↑Mon May 29, 2017 6:30 pm StroppyChops, just in case I'm misunderstood, I mean that I don't want to put down two deposits. I'm not saying that I don't want to pay my rent.

I think I understood - for clarity, every lease I've ever heard of in Phnom Penh has required one month's rent as deposit, and the first month's rent in advance. Others may have had different experiences, but this is what I've observed.

Stroppy is right, I've had 6 apartments in 10 years and this has always been the case. One month deposit and one month in advance.

Both places I've had I've used the deposit against my last month's rent and just paid for water/electricity on departure.

timmydownawell wrote: ↑Mon May 29, 2017 6:55 pm Both places I've had I've used the deposit against my last month's rent and just paid for water/electricity on departure.

A landlord would only do that is you had been a good tenant.,,, If you had been a bad tenant and done damage or stolen stuff on departure, how could they deduct money from a deposit that had already been used as a months rent.

In years of me being a land lord I only ever handed back the deposit money after an inspection was done, after the tenant had moved out. Australia has a better system where the '' bond '' is held by a separate government agent and is only released with the landlords approval.

Duncan wrote: ↑Mon May 29, 2017 7:15 pm

timmydownawell wrote: ↑Mon May 29, 2017 6:55 pm Both places I've had I've used the deposit against my last month's rent and just paid for water/electricity on departure.

A landlord would only do that is you had been a good tenant.,,, If you had been a bad tenant and done damage or stolen stuff on departure, how could they deduct money from a deposit that had already been used as a months rent.

Well it is me after all, what's not to love

Otherwise, it seems that "deposits" in Cambodia are a one way transaction and rarely refunded, so I must be doing something right.

You'll be able to find a decent apartment in that price range in Chbar Ampouv, and as mentioned the deposit is usually 1 months rent (which you normally just use as your last months rent, unless you've damaged the property) and you pay your 1st months rent in advance, as with subsequent months' rent.

Vladimir wrote a great guide to finding affordable apartments, mostly common sense stuff but helpful for newbies, will try and find the link and post for you.

EDIT: Here is the link... https://cambodiaexpatsonline.com/housing ... e-t64.html