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☛ EN Advice Flat or House: How to Rent in Laos

Discussion in 'Laos' started by texkourgan, Jul 23, 2013.

  1. texkourgan

    texkourgan Addicted member
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    Hello!

    One of the first things to do when settling in Laos is to find a home. In order to rent a flat/apartment or house you should familiarize yourself with the area, determine where you want to live, and evaluate what you need. Consider access to shops, schools, transport, and work.

    If you have already been through the process of selecting a home in Laos , you can provide valuable advice on how and why you selected your home, and provide tips for people moving to your area.

    How did you find your accommodation? Estate agent or classifieds? Did you use a website? Or did you find your place through friends or word-of-mouth? What do you recommend?

    Was it quick to find or did it take a long time? What are the essential points you considered (transport, schools, shops… etc).

    How much is the average price of accommodation? What are the costs involved for renting? Do you need a deposit? Guarantees?

    What are the formalities and the contract requirements in Laos ? Are there important clauses members should consider? Is there an inventory? What are the conditions for leaving or giving notice?

    Please offer your advice or questions! This is a tricky step in moving abroad and personal advice, mistakes to avoid and things to consider are extremely helpful.

    Thanks in advance for sharing your experience!
     
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  2. DeletedUser

    DeletedUser Guest

    Hi All,

    there has been a demand surge on the rental market over the last couple of years; prices are also generally on the raise. Alltogether it's not so easy to strike a good deal. What are the key points to consider?
    1) A difficulty is to by-pass all the tourist Guest-houses, small rooms for back-packers and the like. Quality is usually poor, service level mediocre, and the rooms may be very noisy and/or with little privacy. These are fine if you spend 2-3 weeks roaming around the country, but those who work will need to look at the upper range.

    2)Set your budget
    If budget is not a constraint:
    *go for a Rental company.There are 2 or 3 such offices in Vientiane, which have a long list of properties for rent. (+): they are quick and have lots to propose, they usually have clear terms and conditions. (-): Once they introduce you to the owner, you will have to confirm the details- expect some changes; also, the price announced includes their fee and commission.
    * try to negotiate a LT stay in a mid-range family/hotel. Some hotels are located in quiet areas (not the river front district!). This can be a very convenient solution for stay of 3 weeks to 3 months. (+) room cleaned and laundry can be included, as well as internet access. Security is very good. (-) uneasy to have visitors , or to lauch parties!
    - If you look at sparing some bucks, go direct. Use either classified (websites) or your network e.g. Embassy, other expats, friends, Lao colleagues...most of the time they will find out something for you. (+) going direct expose you to real life and will give you good hints on the does and don't in dealing with locals. (-): Lao people don't have the same standards of living, especially as far as privacy and cleanliness are concerned. Don't expect them to find piping clean houses or homely furnishing. Also, you may have difficulties in getting landlord/ colleagues to understand exactely what you need!

    3) Most landlords will ask for upfront payment for 3 or 6 months. This is not a legal requirement, nor the security deposit is. Key word here is negotiation. In most cases, you wouldn't be proposed a contract. Such 'contract' has no legal force unless it is prepared by an attorney. If you are asked to sign a contract, ask to have a witness, or ask the document to be registered by the Village head (you will need to be 'checked' there too, for security reasons). For a LT renting, expect paying 2-3 months in advance and then monthly or quaterly payments. Usually, lanlords demand that you pay on time- at the date set in the contract.
    4) Last, contract or not, Lao people will keep to their word once the deal is agreed. Reciprocally they won't understand if you come up with additional demands/ requests (e.g. breakfast, or high-speed internet...) after the bargain. So again, key word here is negotiation.

    More tips? looking for rooms? contact me at buabarn77(at)gmail.com
    Good luck!
     
  3. Cyrilexpat

    Cyrilexpat Administrator
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    Hi Alain,

    Many thanks for all your info and tips, that's great help for other expatriates :thumbup:
     
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