Hacks for Renting Apartments in Da Nang, Vietnam
Hacks for Renting an Apartment & Things to Know
Are you planning on moving to Vietnam? Well I'm sure some of these hacks and tips below will help you out!
Finding a place in Da Nang is relatively easy, there’s new places popping up everyday. Which also means there’s a lot of construction in some areas. It’s loud too! But there are areas that have very little construction.
You can rent fully furnished apartments for short or long term. That means you can get an apartment for one month, 3 months or a year. Most places will ask for a deposit that is equivalent to one month’s rent, and 3 months upfront however this is negotiable.
1️⃣ Electric and Water Prices in Viet Nam
Don't get ripped off on your utility bills The WATER and WIFI is usually FREE! If not.. it shouldn’t cost more than 100k /month.
✅ 3500kwh is the average price and 4000 kWh is the maximum the landlord can charge for apartments. When it comes to electric it does vary with each landlord.
✅ Always take a picture of the meter when you first move in.
✅ How to catch our dodgy electrician or landlords?! Switch off the fuse board so there is no power in your apartment. Then go and check the meter. If its still moving then maybe the electrician or landlord accidentally (or on purpose) Wired YOUR meter to hallway light or outside lighting.
2️⃣ View the apartment during the day and again at night.
✅ Make sure you view the property both day and night. The last thing you want is to be living next to a Karaoke bar or some noisy neighbours.
3️⃣ Leasing Contract
First step is to make sure you READ the contract (I know its a pain but it’s worth checking and getting it translated)
✅ Reasons for liquidating the contract. (for you, so if something is wrong and you leave you won’t lose your deposit)
✅ Who is the landlord!? It’s important to make sure that your signing the contract with the landlord and not his/her brother, friend or manager. This is because the person on the red book (the document that proves the owner of the house/land) Is the person that has the authority. Get a picture of the landlords ID.
✅ In the contract it should mention that the landlord or anyone else may not enter your apartment without your permission. I also think it’s best that the cleaner works on a specific schedule so you know when the cleaner will enter your room.
✅ Property leasing companies will help you with the contract. For commercial spaces or renting land you should ask the property leasing company to support you in making the contract following your requirements. Bizlen™ has an in-house lawyer and legal team to help you with this, for commercial spaces and land there is usually a lawyer fee of from $30 – $50 depending on the case. However for apartments we have our own contract that will cover all of the points mentioned and many more to make sure the tenant is covered and safe.
✅ The longer your contract length the better leverage you will have in bargaining
4️⃣ Furniture and equipment
Remember most place are full furnitured and move in ready.
✅ Make an inventory list when moving in if the landlord doesn’t have one. It won’t take too long and it will saves any disputes about missing items when your contract ends. (try to get the landlord to sign if possible)
✅ Keep track of your payments. This needs to be a written proof of payment it can also be done by message, Facebook or email.
✅If there are any problems with the apartment like broken things, scratches or marks on the furniture or equipment its best to take a picture and mention it to the landlord at the beginning, to be super careful you can also write it on the contract.
5️⃣ Agents
✅ Property leasing companies only take commission from the landlord and its is 8.33% of the contract. Maybe some lone wolf agents might try to raise the price and there maybe some tricks they might try however this is also very difficult to do because the landlord would not agree to raise the price.
"The first few times I was searching for an apartment I always drove around for days looking for my own apartments because I assumed that I would be saving money going directly to the landlord. It’s actually not the case."
6️⃣ Things to check for when viewing apartments
✅ Check for water pressure and temperature.
"There is nothing worse than a shower pressure like a watering can!"
✅ Check the bed!
"As I’m sure you know the beds, sofas and chairs in Vietnam are super hard and quite often just solid wood! 🙂 its worth a check."
✅ Check the wifi strength! Especially if you work online!
There is a simple app to check the wifi strength, Check the link:- https://fast.com
✅ Take note about the parking area.
Its often the case that new apartments don’t have enough parking for the amount of apartments. Just count the rooms available and calculate at least 1 motorbike per room.
I hope you find this article helpful.
If you are looking for an agent to help you find your home in Da Nang, Vietnam contact :
Email: Bizlen.Team@gmail.com