In Des Moines, unfurnished is the norm, though there are a few places that offer furnishings (these are usually extended stay hotel type places which charge by the week). It is practically unheard of for a rental unit to not include a fridge and stove, and most I’ve seen have dishwashers, microwaves, or both.
Utilities tend to be split. If you rent from one of the big complexes, electricity and/or heat are usually included. It’s usually advertised as a perk.
Most places charge monthly except for the extended stay places I mentioned above.
Usually you pay a deposit (around one month’s rent) and your first month’s rent before moving in. Paying the last month’s rent is very uncommon here. Pet deposits are usually extra.
Apartment complexes are far more common than apartments in homes but there are a lot of townhouses and duplexes here. Renting just a room (with a shared kitchen or bath) is very uncommon; the units just aren’t structured that way. If people really want to save money, they usually just look for a roommate.
Prices vary widely depending on how nice the area is and how close it is to downtown. The suburbs tend to be a little more. I knew a couple renting a small but two-level two bedroom apartment with an outside deck area for $500 which would be considered very reasonable. In the 'burbs I paid about $650 for a basic two-bedroom apartment (maybe $750 - $850 if I wanted a bigger one). It was $1200 to rent a large three-bedroom house, two car attached garage, in a nice neighborhood with a large fenced backyard.
Both furnished and unfurnished and all appliances are standard.
Rent is annually - you will need to pay a full year’s rent up front before you can move in. There is usually a one month security deposit and 5% municipality/utility registration charge.
Utilities are extra and can add $300-500/mo to a 1 bedroom place.
For a small studio (400 sq feet), you’ll pay about $20,000/yr.
There is an apartment chain around here that offers the option of furnished apartments. I associate them with corporate apartments and newly-divorced men.
Well for a two bedrooom plus parking space unit in a condo with pool, gym and based in Makati Central Business district I will be looking for 70k peso per month. ($1400) 1 month deposit and 2 months rent in advance please, if the let is less than 3 months then am gonna crank up the rent somewhat
I’ll pay your cable, internet and housing association fees ( hahah I sound like a craigs list scammer… but really these things are so cheap here) You will pay electricity ( also cheap but if you want all three aircon units on 24/7 then you can cover the $100 per month)
Telephone is provided and free for local calls. If you want an international line then you will need to sort that out with the local phone company. But I have skype so you can use VOIP
And, its all fully furnished to high standards ( it used to be my main home) it has 2 big flat screen TVs, pretty good computer never been used dishwasher, ( can’t find dishwasher powder in Philippines) twin sink unit with waste disposal unit, all laundry and drying facilities, halogen hob, twin ensuite bathrooms. Microwave, fridge.
if anything breaks ( apart from lightbulbs and stuff similar) the lease agency will get it fixed pronto, if not then replace it yourself and deduct it from the rent.
You will find cheaper in Manila but am really looking for company lets. Less hassle while am overseas.
One of my other places? One bedroom or choice of studios. Slightly more expensive than others in the same buildings but my business model keeps me aiming for people who want a bit of luxury and at least fully provided rather than saving pennies. When I eventually retire I will change the model to look for short term medical tourists ( dental and medical procedures here are cheap and to American standards). So hopefully these units will provide for an income and interest.
Well, it always depends on the economy; I’m quoting what I’m seeing in the newspaper right now. Also, people renting a floor of their homes generally charge less/are more willing to negotiate. Location’s also a factor, as always:
I know a couple who live in an apartment complex within walking distance of a Long Island Railroad stop & a main street with many bars/restaurants/shops. They have a bedroom, a small bathroom, a living/eating area & a galley kitchen. Tile floors, small closets, no bedroom closets. They’re paying $1350/month; it’s gone up $200 over the past seven years. Whether utilities are included, I don’t know.
Contrast that with my boyfriend’s situation: Currently renting the upper floor of a house; he has a bedroom, bathroom, a living room, & an eat-in kitchen. He’s also within walking distance to a rail station & near a main street. He, though, pays $800/month.
We’re looking at renting a house from his landlord (was landlord’s parents’ home) - two bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, attached garage, backyard. It’s not within walking distance of the rail, or a downtown, but not a far drive. We’re looking at between $1000 - $1500/month, without utilities.
