Renting In The Philippines

[TexasRangersFan]

The last two years here have been a real eye opener when it comes to renting. Finding a suitable structure to live in is just part of the difficulty. 

 

Hoping that we can find a structure with walls, floor, ceiling, roof, doors and glass in the windows can be difficult as I am finding out.

 

We have rented 5 places now in 2 years.

 

I don't think that I am not being understanding of the customs, culture or conditions here in this country when I am looking for a house.

 

I realize that as a foreigner I have to pay more than a Philippine citizen.

 

What I am talking about is that we read and look at ads on different classified ad websites for rentals, or we see for rent signs on houses.

 

We see the price and the contract details.

 

When we arrive to look at the house, on occasion its not the same house as in the picture, and/or the monthly amount sometimes suddenly doubles and the contract terms change to pay 1 year in advance.

 

I have paid large and small monthly amounts for a rental here. The worst was the one I paid the most for.

 

What we have done so far is to take what we can get and make the best of it.

 

If we go to look at a house with a realtor or owner waiting and its not the same as in the picture. We RUN. If the amount doubles. Again. WE RUN.

 

Also we found out something very important the hard way. Make sure the person renting the house has permission to do so from the owner or actually owns the house before signing the contract and paying the money. This can be done by going to the city hall and checking with the tax office or the barungay captain.

[Jollygoodfellow]

Good advice

I notice of all the places advertised with pictures that there are no block out curtains, all basically see through. I would require at least the bedroom to be dark in the morning so maybe I would be buying my own curtains. Actually do they have block out curtains in the shops? :unsure:

[Will]

 I would require at least the bedroom to be dark in the morning so maybe I would be buying my own curtains. Actually do they have block out curtains in the shops? :unsure:

 

I was thinking the same thing this morning. Started really thinking about it when I got the electric bill... how to seal those jalousey windows when closed.

[Thomas]

If not renting FURNISHED, I wouldn't expect CURTAINS in Sweden either, so I don't find it odd if they don't have in Phili  :)

 

(But where they have jalouseys, I don't count them to furniture.)

 

--

But I agree it's very odd the suprisingly to common showing photos of OTHER than the subject (or a catalog photo, although the thing is used). Do they expect presumtive customers will not notice?...    :hystery:

[TexasRangersFan]

 I would require at least the bedroom to be dark in the morning so maybe I would be buying my own curtains. Actually do they have block out curtains in the shops? :unsure:

 

I was thinking the same thing this morning. Started really thinking about it when I got the electric bill... how to seal those jalousey windows when closed.

 

What I did was go to Metro Mall. Look in the floor mat section. I found clear rubber in 1 meter width by 50 meter rolls. I have seen them at NCCC and Guisono Malls as well.

If the window frame is wood I use thumb tacks and clear tape.

If the window frame is Metal I just use clear tape.

If the window frame is cement I used clear silicone. It is much harder to get off if the window frame if it is not painted. If painted I use double sided 3M tape.

I then went to Ace or any hardware store that sells the 1 meter wide insulation. White one side silver the other side. I then use double sided tape and clear tape over top to hold it to the window frame after putting on the clear rubber.

 

My electric bill went from 15000 to 9500 after doing that to the windows. I added the insulation to just the windows west side of the house. Thats the side that gets the most sun in the afternoons.

[bootleultras]

My electric bill went from 15000 to 9500 after doing that to the windows.

Is that monthly?....Bloody hell! Do you have a set of floodlights in your place? My electric bill is about 2500-3000 at the most, it might go up next bill just because the temperature is rising a bit but 9500!....... Im working from home and in my eyes using a fair bit of electricity eg air con, internet enabled 24/7, TV etc. As for the mornings, we have a sun riser so we get all of the wonderful morning sun(the wife's choice)...... I find an extra pillow over my head does me good for a few hours extra sleep. :)

[i am bob]

My electric bill went from 15000 to 9500 after doing that to the windows.

Is that monthly?....Bloody hell! Do you have a set of floodlights in your place? My electric bill is about 2500-3000 at the most, it might go up next bill just because the temperature is rising a bit but 9500!....... Im working from home and in my eyes using a fair bit of electricity eg air con, internet enabled 24/7, TV etc. As for the mornings, we have a sun riser so we get all of the wonderful morning sun(the wife's choice)...... I find an extra pillow over my head does me good for a few hours extra sleep. :)

 

I'm an early riser so that would be great for me!  Hmmm...  Something to talk to my  Special Someone about...!

 

:mocking:  :thumbsup:

[MikeB]

My electric bill went from 15000 to 9500

Sounds like you're supplying the whole town.

[Thomas]

My electric bill went from 15000 to 9500

Sounds like you're supplying the whole town.

Yes, it's high,

but the other's electricity wouldn't reduce by he issolate his own windows  :)

[bootleultras]

One thing I forgot to mention also was that I own a 600 sqm bar & with the lighting and sound systems etc we use my electric bill is still around the same as your current bill 9000-10,000 a month!