Renting in the Philippines

Rents for accommodations in the Philippines vary according to type, size and location. They may be fully furnished, semi-furnished, or bare, and there are houses, apartments, and condominiums to choose from. Prices may range from as low as Php 6,000 to as high as Php 150,000 with sizes as small as 25 square meters to as big as hundreds of square meters.

Rents are typically higher in commercial or urban areas than in the remote or rural areas. They are most expensive in Metro Manila where the cost of living is known to be the highest in the country, and they are relatively cheaper in the smaller cities like Cebu, Davao, and others. Getting recommendations from one's colleagues, friends and family is always the safest and most credible way to find a place to rent, but listings may be found in the classified ads sections of major newspapers or on the Internet.

There are also a number of local real estate agents or brokers who can shortlist the many choices according to one's preferences and can make the process easier. Lease contracts are usually for one year with the landlords requiring an advanced 1-month payment, 11 post-dated checks and 2-month's worth of deposit. The deposit will be returned at the end of the lease with deductions for repairs and unpaid bills. Some owners may agree to contracts shorter than 1 year though this is not typical. Serviced apartments may serve this requirement better albeit the higher costs.