Renting Property Abroad

Long-term rentals

If you are looking for good long-term rental deals abroad, there are a few factors to consider.

First, you need to decide on your destination and budget. Different countries have different costs of living and rental markets, so you need to do some research before you book anything.

Second, you need to find a reliable platform or agent to help you find and secure your rental. You can use online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or HomeAway to browse and compare different options, or you can contact local real estate agents or property managers who can assist you with the process.

Third, you need to negotiate the terms and conditions of your rental contract. Depending on the length of your stay and the type of property, you may be able to get discounts, flexible payment plans, or other benefits. You should also check the cancellation policy, security deposit, utilities, and maintenance fees before you sign anything. By following these steps, you can find good long-term rental deals abroad that suit your needs and preferences.

The devil is in the detail

Research the local rental market and compare prices before signing a contract.

Check the condition of the property and take photos of any damages or issues.

Read the lease agreement carefully and understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Ask about the utilities, maintenance, security deposit and other fees that are included or excluded from the rent.

Keep a copy of all the documents and receipts related to your rental agreement and payments.

When you are viewing a rental property, you may have many questions in mind. Here are some things to ask when renting a property:

How much is the rent and what does it include? You should know how much you have to pay each month and if any bills are included in the rent. You should also ask how and when the rent should be paid, and if there are any fees or charges for late payment.

How much is the deposit and how will it be protected? The deposit is usually a sum of money that you pay to the landlord or letting agent before you move in. It is meant to cover any damages or unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy. The deposit should not be more than five weeks’ rent and it should be protected by a government-approved scheme. You should ask for a receipt and a confirmation of which scheme is used.

What are the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement? The tenancy agreement is a contract between you and the landlord that sets out your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. You should read it carefully before signing it and ask for clarification if anything is unclear. You should also check if the tenancy is fixed-term or periodic, how long it lasts, how much notice you have to give to end it, and if there are any break clauses or penalties for early termination.

What are the landlord’s responsibilities and how can you contact them? The landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, as well as ensuring that the heating, plumbing, electrical and gas systems are safe and working. The landlord should also provide you with an energy performance certificate, a gas safety certificate, and a copy of the government’s How to rent guide. You should ask for their name, address, phone number and email address, and how they prefer to be contacted in case of any issues or emergencies.

What are your responsibilities as a tenant? As a tenant, you are responsible for paying the rent and bills on time, keeping the property clean and tidy, reporting any repairs or damages to the landlord, and following the rules of the tenancy agreement. You should also respect your neighbours and not cause any nuisance or noise. You should ask if you need permission to make any changes to the property, such as painting, hanging pictures, or keeping pets.

Viewing properties

One of the factors that can influence your decision when renting a property is the time of day you view it. Different times of day can affect the lighting, noise level, traffic, and neighborhood activity of a property.

Generally, the best times of day to view a property are in the morning and in the late afternoon. In the morning, you can see how bright and sunny the property is, and how much natural light it gets. You can also get a sense of the morning rush hour and how it affects the area. In the late afternoon, you can see how the property looks in the evening light, and how quiet or lively the neighborhood is.You can also check the security and safety of the property at night.

Avoid only viewing a property at noon or in the early afternoon, as these times can make the property look too hot, dark, or dull. Also avoid only viewing a property at night, as you may miss some important details or flaws that are not visible in the dark.

Different countries – different rules

Rental agreements are contracts between landlords and tenants that specify the terms and conditions of renting a property. Rental agreements can vary significantly depending on the country, the type of property, and the preferences of the parties involved. Some of the common differences between rental agreements in various countries are:

The duration of the rental agreement

Some countries have fixed-term leases that last for a specific period of time, such as one year or six months. Other countries have periodic tenancies that renew automatically until either party gives notice to terminate, such as month-to-month or week-to-week.

The amount and frequency of rent payments

Some countries have rent control laws that limit how much landlords can charge for rent and how often they can increase it. Other countries have market-based rents that are determined by supply and demand and can change at any time.

The security deposit and other fees

Some countries require landlords to collect a security deposit from tenants to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. The amount and conditions of the security deposit vary by country and may be regulated by law. Other countries do not require security deposits but may charge other fees, such as application fees, cleaning fees, or service charges.

The rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants

Some countries have laws that protect the rights of tenants, such as the right to privacy, the right to repairs, and the right to withhold rent for certain reasons. Other countries have laws that favor the rights of landlords, such as the right to evict tenants for any reason, the right to enter the property without notice, and the right to increase rent without limit.

The Dispute resolution mechanisms

Some countries have specialized courts or tribunals that deal with rental disputes between landlords and tenants. Other countries rely on general civil courts or alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration.

Rental disputes

Rental disputes often arise abroad between landlords and tenants for various reasons, such as rent arrears, property damage, maintenance issues, or eviction notices. If you are involved in a rental dispute, you should first try to resolve it amicably with the other party by communicating clearly and respectfully.

Due to cultural differences you can also seek the help of a third-party mediator, such as a district councillor, community justice centre or a tenancy advocacy service, to facilitate a fair and mutually acceptable outcome.

If the dispute cannot be resolved through mediation, you may have to take legal action by applying to a tribunal or a court. Depending on the nature and severity of the dispute, you may need to consult a lawyer or a legal aid service for advice and representation. You should also keep all relevant documents and evidence related to the dispute, such as your lease agreement, receipts, invoices, photos, or correspondence.

However, with the above in mind you should also be very cautious about upsetting a local landlord, especially if you intend residing in the neighbourhood. In certain parts of the world, it is far easier for a landlord to have you ‘disappear‘ than go to court! Living in perpetual fear with a target on your back is an outcome you should avoid at all costs.