Renting A Condo In The Philippines

About to sign a condo lease in the Philippines? Watch this first!🏢👀

Watch this first.

Some additional advice.

1. Who Actually Owns the Property

• Ask for proof of ownership (TCT/Condominium Certificate of Title).

• Confirm the person signing is the owner or has legal authority.

“My cousin handles this” is not a legal concept.

2. Written Contract (Non-Negotiable)

Get a written lease, not verbal promises.

Make sure it states:

• Rent amount
• Term length
• Renewal terms
• Deposit rules
• Termination conditions

If it’s not written, it doesn’t exist.

3. Security Deposit & Advance Rent

Typical setup:

• 1–2 months security deposit
• 1 month advance rent

Confirm:

• Conditions for refund
• Timeline for return
• What can be deducted (get it specific)

Deposits are the most common dispute.

4. Lease Term & Exit Clauses

• Is it 6 months? 1 year? Longer?

• Early termination:

  • Allowed?
  • Penalties?
  • Notice period?

Many landlords expect you to stay no matter what. That’s not how contracts work — unless you sign it that way.

5. Rent Increases

• Is there an escalation clause?
• How often can rent increase?
• How much?
• “Subject to increase” without numbers is code for surprise.

6. Utilities (Big Source of Shock)

Confirm:

• Electricity provider (MERALCO vs sub-meter)
• Water source (utility, well, shared tank)
• Internet availability (fiber ≠ DSL ≠ “soon”)
• Who pays:
  • Installation
  • Repairs
  • Past unpaid bills (yes, this happens)

7. Power & Water Reliability

Ask:

• Brownouts?
• Water pressure?
• Scheduled water hours?
• Backup generators or tanks?

Visit at different times of day if possible.

8. Maintenance & Repairs

Clarify:

• Who fixes what?
• Timeline for repairs?
• What’s considered “tenant damage”?

Some landlords disappear the moment something breaks.

9. Furnishing Details

If “fully furnished”:

• Make an inventory list
• Photograph everything
• Note existing damage

Otherwise, guess who pays later.

10. Association Rules (Condos Especially)

Ask for a copy of:

• House rules
• Guest policies
• Move-in/move-out fees
• Noise restrictions
• Use of amenities

Condos love rules. Surprise rules.

11. Barangay & Neighborhood Reality

Check:

• Noise levels (karaoke, roosters, fiestas)
• Flooding history
• Parking availability
• Nearby construction

What’s quiet at noon may be chaos at night.

12. Flooding & Drainage

Ask directly:

• “Does this area flood?”
• Then ask neighbors — landlords lie, neighbors don’t.

13. Pest Issues

Look for:

• Cockroaches
• Termites
• Rats
• Mosquito breeding areas

If you see one roach during viewing, assume a family reunion at night.

14. Subleasing Rules

• Allowed or prohibited?
• Written approval required?

Important if plans change.

15. Visitor & Overnight Guest Rules

Some landlords or HOAs restrict:

• Long-term guests
• Overnight stays
• Number of occupants

Clarify before awkward conversations happen.

16. Payment Method & Receipts

• How is rent paid?
• Bank transfer? Cash?
• Will you receive official receipts?
  • Receipts matter for disputes and visa paperwork.

17. Taxes & Fees

Confirm:

• Who pays property tax?
• HOA dues included or separate?
• Garbage fees?
• Admin fees?

“Cheap rent” often isn’t.

18. Language of the Contract

• If not in English, get a translation.
• If bilingual, confirm which version controls.
• Never sign what you don’t fully understand.

19. Renewal & Notice Period

• How much notice to renew or vacate?
• Automatic renewal or not?
• Miss a deadline and suddenly you’re “already renewed.”

20. Gut Check

If anything feels:

• Rushed
• Vague
• Too flexible
• Emotionally manipulative (“Sir, many others want this”)

Walk away. There’s always another unit.

Summary

In the Philippines, leasing problems usually come from:

• Assumptions
• Verbal promises
• Missing details
• Over-trusting friendliness

Be polite. Be firm. Get everything in writing.

Thinking of Moving to the Philippines? Get Reliable Guidance.

Online communities are helpful for general questions. For anything important, you still need accurate, professional, and updated information. E636 Expat Services helps foreigners with:

• Residency and long term visas
• Bank account opening
• Health insurance guidance
• Real estate assistance
• Business setup
• Retirement planning
• A smooth and secure transition into life in the Philippines

If you want to move with confidence instead of relying on random comments online, we can guide you every step of the way.

Book a consultation with E636 and start your journey the right way.

Photo by iLewis Keegan on Unsplash