海角乱伦

Which neighborhood should I live in?

That depends on what you're doing abroad, how much you can spend, and what matters most. Start by making a list of everything you'd like nearby 鈥� parks, public transport, shops, schools, your workplace, a certain housing style, parking, building amenities like an elevator, and so on. Then highlight the things you absolutely can't do without.

For instance, if you have reduced mobility and the apartment isn't on the ground floor, an elevator is essential. If you depend on public transport, you'll probably want to live near a bus stop or subway station. And, of course, price matters. An affordable place sounds great, but if it's two hours away from everything by bus, you could end up paying more in terms of both time and energy.

What kind of housing should I choose?

Apartment, studio, hostel room, shared housing 鈥� it all comes down to your budget and what kind of lifestyle you want. Some expats prefer to live alone to save money or enjoy more privacy. Others actively seek out shared living arrangements for the community aspect. In fact, new forms of shared housing are gaining popularity, especially among digital nomads and young professionals.

These modern sharehouses offer much more than a roof over your head 鈥� think stylish apartments with coworking spaces, gyms, lounges, and even cinemas. In Japan, for example, places like (found in Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka, and Kyoto) and (in Tokyo, Saitama, and Yokohama) follow this trend. Just be aware that these upscale options usually come with a higher price tag and often require long-term commitments of six months to a year.

What are the key things to consider before renting?

Be careful if you're moving in as a couple. In some countries 鈥� Saudi Arabia, for example 鈥� renting or buying property may only be legal for heterosexual, married couples.

Should I rent a furnished or unfurnished place?

You'll often come across listings from expats who are leaving and selling their furniture. It's a great way to furnish your new home without breaking the bank. Of course, it all depends on your situation. If you need to get settled quickly, a furnished place might make the most sense. But if you're planning to stay long term and prefer using your own belongings, you might opt for an unfurnished rental 鈥� just watch out for the high costs of international shipping.

It's also important to check your host country's regulations around furnished versus unfurnished rentals. Tenant rights and legal protections can vary quite a bit depending on the type of lease.

What kind of lease should I sign?

That depends on how long you plan to stay abroad. Are you moving temporarily or settling down for good? Are you a student, an employee, or a retiree? Do you expect to relocate again in a few months?

Lease terms vary widely from country to country. In Spain, for example, the standard lease lasts five years 鈥� a rule maintained under the 2023 housing law reform 鈥� although shorter agreements are also possible. In France, lease durations are typically three years for unfurnished rentals and one year for furnished ones, with shorter terms available in specific situations.

Some countries also offer short-term lease options tailored for students or frequent travelers. These often come with more flexible terms and may not require a security deposit.

Should I go through a real estate agency?

You usually have three options: working with a real estate agency, dealing directly with the landlord, or going through a local intermediary. That intermediary might be a building caretaker or a well-connected local 鈥� not a real estate professional, but someone who knows the area and how things work.

If you want to avoid agency fees, direct contact can be appealing. But do you know the local laws? Do you speak the language? If the answer is yes, negotiating directly might be an option. Still, going through a licensed agency is often the safer route.

As for intermediaries, be cautious. They may still charge you for their help, and there's no guarantee the deal will go through. Only choose this path if you're familiar with the local culture and language 鈥� or if you have someone you trust guiding you.

Does the price reflect the market?

Beware of scams 鈥� some landlords may try to take advantage of your lack of local knowledge. As you would back home, do your homework. Look up average rental prices in the neighborhood you're targeting. Take into account the property's age and condition, and check whether it meets local housing regulations. Also, consider the location carefully. Is it near the sea? In an earthquake-prone area? Close to a noisy industrial zone? All these factors can 鈥� and should 鈥� affect the price.

Are paid housing listings legit?

Be cautious with pay-to-access housing lists. In many countries facing housing shortages 鈥� like Canada, Spain, Portugal, the U.S., Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, China, France, and South Korea 鈥� scammers take advantage of the tight market. They offer 鈥渆xclusive鈥� listings in exchange for a fee, but you often get fake properties, already-rented homes, or links to public ads you could have found yourself.

You might end up paying for what sounds like a hidden gem, only to receive a useless or outdated list.

What legal clauses must be in the lease?

This is something many tenants overlook 鈥� but mandatory lease clauses are there to protect your rights. Don't rush into signing. Read the entire document carefully, and never agree to sign under pressure. That's a major red flag.

The lease should clearly include your name and the landlord's, the contract's start date and duration, the size of the property, the number of rooms and how they're intended to be used, and an inventory of furnishings if the place is rented furnished.

Depending on your host country's laws, the lease should also come with key attachments 鈥� like energy efficiency certificates, seismic risk reports, or pest control documentation. These reports are typically the landlord's responsibility.

Does the contract allow rent increases?

You've probably planned your budget around the rent stated in the contract 鈥� but can that amount legally go up? Before you sign, make sure to check the local laws on rent increases. Knowing the rules in advance can help you avoid unpleasant surprises later on.

What's the overall condition of the property?

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and sign a lease too quickly 鈥� only to find out later that the place is freezing in winter, sweltering in summer, or has paper-thin walls where you can hear your neighbors breathe.

If you can, visit the property before signing. But that's not always possible 鈥� many expats pay online before they even arrive. In that case, make sure the lease gives you the right to raise concerns after moving in, especially if the conditions turn out to be poor or there are issues like pest infestations.

Is the property's size legal?

Some landlords try to rent out spaces that fall below the legal minimum size 鈥� and in most countries, there are clear regulations about how small a rental unit can be. The catch? Those rules 鈥� and how space is measured 鈥� can vary a lot.

Watch out for local quirks. In Japan, for instance, the ground floor is counted as the first floor 鈥� so if your lease says 鈥渟econd floor,鈥� it's actually just one level up. In Spain, surface area can be misleading. There's a difference between the 鈥渦seful surface area鈥� (the space you actually use) and the 鈥渂uilt area,鈥� which includes common spaces like hallways or lobbies. A flat listed as 200m虏 might only give you 150m虏 of usable living space.

What extra costs will I pay?

Your base rent is just the beginning. Be prepared for added costs like security deposits, agency commissions, administrative fees, and service charges. Before signing anything, make sure you understand all the terms 鈥� and the full financial picture.

In Morocco and South Africa, deposits typically equal one to two months' rent. In the UK, the law caps deposits at the equivalent of five weeks' rent. Whatever the case, it's essential to calculate your total housing budget, factoring in rent plus all additional charges.

Most of the time, your only ongoing expenses will be rent and utilities 鈥� since deposits are refundable. But in some countries, customs can make things more complicated. In Japan, for example, there's the reikin, or 鈥渒ey money鈥� 鈥� a non-refundable payment to the landlord equal to one or two months' rent. It's widely disliked but still common, though many agencies now highlight 鈥渘o key money鈥� properties to attract renters.

Be alert for illegal or unnecessary fees, too. You shouldn't be charged vague 鈥渟ervice fees,鈥� nor should you have to pay for a rent receipt or a move-in inspection.

Furnished rentals: What equipment is required?

A furnished rental should come with a clear inventory 鈥� the lease must list everything included. Typically, that means:

• A basic kitchen setup: cooking plates or stove, microwave, fridge, cookware, and enough tableware for the number of tenants;
• A bed with a blanket or duvet;
• A table, at least one chair, storage space, and proper lighting;
• Cleaning tools 鈥� like a broom or vacuum, depending on the flooring.

Some countries have specific standards. In South Korea and Japan, for instance, window mosquito nets are a common expectation. And if your building has a shared laundry room, be sure to ask whether it's free to use or coin-operated.

I have a bike or car 鈥� Where do I park?

If you're moving into an apartment building, check whether parking is available 鈥� and if it comes at an extra cost. Don't assume it's included. For bikes, avoid leaving them in hallways or stairwells, as many buildings have rules against it. Make sure you know the proper storage options before you move in.

Are pets allowed?

If you're a pet owner or planning to adopt one, this is a key question. Will you be allowed to bring your pet 鈥� or adopt one locally? In Switzerland, for instance, the decision is up to the landlord. If the lease doesn't mention pets, they're usually permitted 鈥� but it's best to double-check.

That said, the type of animal matters. A lease that's silent on pets doesn't mean you're free to keep exotic or potentially dangerous animals. Even in pet-friendly buildings, always inform your landlord before bringing a pet home.

Can I invite friends over?

Usually, yes 鈥� but keep it reasonable. A quiet gathering is fine, but turning your place into a party venue could violate building rules. You may face penalties for noise or damage.

Can I make small changes to the apartment?

Painting the walls, installing hooks, changing a door 鈥� even small renovations like these might be restricted. Most leases allow basic upkeep, such as replacing lightbulbs or adding a freestanding cabinet. But if you plan to drill into walls or repaint, check the lease first. You may need the landlord's permission for anything beyond routine maintenance.

How to avoid mistakes when renting abroad?

Start with common sense. The same caution you'd use when renting at home applies abroad 鈥� and maybe more. Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.Don't take everything at face value, even if it comes from a real estate agency. Do your homework. Understand the local rental market. Some expats assume it's best to admit they don't know anything 鈥� but that only works if the other person is honest. A better approach is to show that you know your rights. Compare multiple agencies. Cross-check the information they give you. Ask for a virtual tour if you can't visit the property in person. And even if the place looks perfect, take your time. Verify every detail before signing the lease.