Don't pay the ferryman!
- vladimir
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Don't pay the ferryman!
This is an article I did for CEO, but the intention was to help everybody avoid scammers, so: (it has been vetted, btw)
OK, here we go, I think I've covered most aspects, please feel free to ask/make suggestions. This method has helped me find some very nice places.
How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man's guide by Vladimir the Agent-Impaler.
1. Get a map of the town/city you live in.
2. Draw a perimeter around the area you want to live in.
3. Be able to recognize the Khmer script for ˜for rent/sale. The sign is normally posted on the outside of the property in question. If you
see the sign on the first floor balcony, it is that level that is for rent. ( I'd appreciate someone checking the sign, I seem to have lost
my own photo)
4. Get on a motorcycle and drive around the area.
5. Take DISCREET photos of the property and save with the St. suffix, ie #1, St. 240, together with the phone number. The number will
be on the sale/rent sign. II use the photos to weigh up options later. If you have a really good memory, just write down the address.
6. During this process, avoid talking to owners/Khmer onlookers at all costs if possible. It's easy to understand that the best time to do
this would be at night, when you would also get a good idea of the noise levels in the area.
7. Once you have surveyed your area, go home.
8. Make a list of things you need regarding the apartment. Here is my list:
Quiet: this takes independent research, as an owner will tell you what you want to hear, and many Khmers are immune to noise that annoys westerners. If you see dogs, chickens, metal shops, karaoke bars, RUN! If you hear freshie boy kids doing karaoke at the home next door, RUN!
Separate entrance.
Aircon (this can be installed by negotiating if they don't have it, I paid an extra month's deposit as the owner spent $400 on a Panasonic inverter)
Western toilet
Glass and steel windows for quiet and security
Partly furnished, I have my own bed, desk, fridge, gas cooker etc.
2 bedrooms
Secure parking for two motos
Reliable electricity (it goes without saying that the owner will seldom be honest about this, so you may need to visit EDC)
Water that does not rely on an electrical pump if the above is dodgy.
Cable TV/internet. Most houses renting will have cable TV, but few will have internet.
Normal fee for shared TV is $5/month, internet I sup to you.
Decent water pressure (check at peak times, 6am-830 am)
I have my own electrical water heater, which goes when I do. About $100.
Does not face west (too hot in the afternoon)
Now that you have your list, find a Khmer friend to make phone calls for you to ask the rental price and check what each property has in terms of your requirements. In addition, they should ask what deposit is required. One month is standard. If they say 2 or more, and you want to negotiate it, do so if you like the place when you see it..
Write down the rentals next to your list of properties.
Take your Khmer friend and visit the places. If rental prices are adjusted when you visit, RUN!
OK, so let's assume you have found a place. Next step, sign the lease, right?
NO! FAIL!
You should check the lease for the following, which should be clearly stated IN WRITING (your Khmer friend should check the Khmer, and you should get an English copy signed and thumb-printed by the lessor):
I write these things down before and my wife explains them to any potential lessor.
1. Electricity rate should be at EDC rate, no levy by the owner. Apartment should be sub-metered. The tenant should pay at least
half the cost of this, you can buy meters for less than $20. Keep a record of your readings and payments. You can organize
payment via Wing, Google that.
2. Water should be at municipal rate.
3. Garbage removal at municipal rate.
4. Right of fair access to the owner should be provided for by mutual agreement, appointment only.
5. Certain items under maintenance should be the owner's responsibility: wiring, plumbing, aircon, leaking roofs, painting etc.
6. Minor items such as light bulbs and things you damage/break are your responsibility.
7. A provision should be that you give one month's notice, and that the lessor then uses your deposit instead of you paying rental
for the last month.
8. Change all the internal locks, and do not give the owner a copy of keys.
9. Make sure you have bike insurance; the owner is generally not responsible for loss/theft, so get disk locks/chains.
Most Khmers are decent, honest people. Try and respect the owners, and usually you will have no troubles. Avoid bringing bargirls home and doing drugs/noisy drinking and generally they will leave you alone.
I hope that this info empowers people and helps some of you find reasonably-priced accommodation. If we cannot help others on this planet, what is the point?
If you insist, you can buy me a glass of red wine. Good luck!
OK, here we go, I think I've covered most aspects, please feel free to ask/make suggestions. This method has helped me find some very nice places.
How to rent a property in Cambodia: a wise man's guide by Vladimir the Agent-Impaler.
1. Get a map of the town/city you live in.
2. Draw a perimeter around the area you want to live in.
3. Be able to recognize the Khmer script for ˜for rent/sale. The sign is normally posted on the outside of the property in question. If you
see the sign on the first floor balcony, it is that level that is for rent. ( I'd appreciate someone checking the sign, I seem to have lost
my own photo)
4. Get on a motorcycle and drive around the area.
5. Take DISCREET photos of the property and save with the St. suffix, ie #1, St. 240, together with the phone number. The number will
be on the sale/rent sign. II use the photos to weigh up options later. If you have a really good memory, just write down the address.
6. During this process, avoid talking to owners/Khmer onlookers at all costs if possible. It's easy to understand that the best time to do
this would be at night, when you would also get a good idea of the noise levels in the area.
7. Once you have surveyed your area, go home.
8. Make a list of things you need regarding the apartment. Here is my list:
Quiet: this takes independent research, as an owner will tell you what you want to hear, and many Khmers are immune to noise that annoys westerners. If you see dogs, chickens, metal shops, karaoke bars, RUN! If you hear freshie boy kids doing karaoke at the home next door, RUN!
Separate entrance.
Aircon (this can be installed by negotiating if they don't have it, I paid an extra month's deposit as the owner spent $400 on a Panasonic inverter)
Western toilet
Glass and steel windows for quiet and security
Partly furnished, I have my own bed, desk, fridge, gas cooker etc.
2 bedrooms
Secure parking for two motos
Reliable electricity (it goes without saying that the owner will seldom be honest about this, so you may need to visit EDC)
Water that does not rely on an electrical pump if the above is dodgy.
Cable TV/internet. Most houses renting will have cable TV, but few will have internet.
Normal fee for shared TV is $5/month, internet I sup to you.
Decent water pressure (check at peak times, 6am-830 am)
I have my own electrical water heater, which goes when I do. About $100.
Does not face west (too hot in the afternoon)
Now that you have your list, find a Khmer friend to make phone calls for you to ask the rental price and check what each property has in terms of your requirements. In addition, they should ask what deposit is required. One month is standard. If they say 2 or more, and you want to negotiate it, do so if you like the place when you see it..
Write down the rentals next to your list of properties.
Take your Khmer friend and visit the places. If rental prices are adjusted when you visit, RUN!
OK, so let's assume you have found a place. Next step, sign the lease, right?
NO! FAIL!
You should check the lease for the following, which should be clearly stated IN WRITING (your Khmer friend should check the Khmer, and you should get an English copy signed and thumb-printed by the lessor):
I write these things down before and my wife explains them to any potential lessor.
1. Electricity rate should be at EDC rate, no levy by the owner. Apartment should be sub-metered. The tenant should pay at least
half the cost of this, you can buy meters for less than $20. Keep a record of your readings and payments. You can organize
payment via Wing, Google that.
2. Water should be at municipal rate.
3. Garbage removal at municipal rate.
4. Right of fair access to the owner should be provided for by mutual agreement, appointment only.
5. Certain items under maintenance should be the owner's responsibility: wiring, plumbing, aircon, leaking roofs, painting etc.
6. Minor items such as light bulbs and things you damage/break are your responsibility.
7. A provision should be that you give one month's notice, and that the lessor then uses your deposit instead of you paying rental
for the last month.
8. Change all the internal locks, and do not give the owner a copy of keys.
9. Make sure you have bike insurance; the owner is generally not responsible for loss/theft, so get disk locks/chains.
Most Khmers are decent, honest people. Try and respect the owners, and usually you will have no troubles. Avoid bringing bargirls home and doing drugs/noisy drinking and generally they will leave you alone.
I hope that this info empowers people and helps some of you find reasonably-priced accommodation. If we cannot help others on this planet, what is the point?
If you insist, you can buy me a glass of red wine. Good luck!
ירי ילדים והפצצת אזרחים דורש אומץ, כמו גם הטרדה מינית של עובדי ההוראה.
- Jacked Camry
- Is the World Outside still there ?
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That's a pretty reasonable guide IMO. One question is raised though - just what would one do at EDC to ascertain the reliability of the juice?
- vladimir
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You can normally find out what areas are regularly cut off if you...err...let's say you buy someone lunch?
Coming from you, pretty reasonable is a big compliment, appreciated.
Coming from you, pretty reasonable is a big compliment, appreciated.
ירי ילדים והפצצת אזרחים דורש אומץ, כמו גם הטרדה מינית של עובדי ההוראה.
3
Alternatively.....learn Khmer. I have negotiated all my properties and have paid nowhere near asking price,
Also....I almost fell asleep during Vlad's 500 page manifesto so I am not sure if he mentioned offering them to pay 6 months or the year in advance, You will get a massive discount right there too.
vladimir wrote:
Now that you have your list, find a Khmer friend to make phone calls for you to ask the rental price
Alternatively.....learn Khmer. I have negotiated all my properties and have paid nowhere near asking price,
Also....I almost fell asleep during Vlad's 500 page manifesto so I am not sure if he mentioned offering them to pay 6 months or the year in advance, You will get a massive discount right there too.
Rated R for Ricecakes
Great guide, thanks Vlad!ricecakes wrote: Alternatively.....learn Khmer. I have negotiated all my properties and have paid nowhere near asking price,
Also....I almost fell asleep during Vlad's 500 page manifesto so I am not sure if he mentioned offering them to pay 6 months or the year in advance, You will get a massive discount right there too.
I recently managed to knock $125 p/mth off the asking price of my new apartment by offering to pay 6 months in advance, also managed to get all the power points replaced and relocated to more practical locations, and have some new lighting installed where needed.
I'm not a negative person, I encourage people all the time...it's usually to f**k off! But, whatever.
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I'm really sick with lung problems and need a really cheap apartment with WIFI and AC do you know of any places?
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so if I ask a Cambodian they can get me a cheaper apartment?
I've already seen 15 pulmonologists and they only give me inhalers and prednisone and these antibiotics I think destroyed my lungs and after azithromycin I can't exhale anymore. they should just ban cigarettes
I've already seen 15 pulmonologists and they only give me inhalers and prednisone and these antibiotics I think destroyed my lungs and after azithromycin I can't exhale anymore. they should just ban cigarettes
- Phuket2006
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Don't pay the ferryman!
Sorry, cant agree;
my daughter already knows to place 2 silver coins over my eyes before i am burnt
if u dont pay,how will u cross over?
Sorry, cant agree;
my daughter already knows to place 2 silver coins over my eyes before i am burnt
if u dont pay,how will u cross over?
"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
What if there is a fire or plumbing emergency while you are away? What if the owner sees you changing the locks without his permission?8. Change all the internal locks, and do not give the owner a copy of keys.
Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.
I have always negotiated with a long list of amenities that must be added...paint, air cons, etc....and a demand that the rent be discounted, but like Ricecakes....I offer to pay for six or twelve months up front. This gives the landlord the capital to make the repairs and is usually very effective.
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If you pay 6-12 months up front they have you by the balls, and then you lose the freedom to move out if all of a sudden the water or electricity goes out all the time, or the landlord rents the unit above you to Ned to open a punk rock live music venue, or the situation otherwise becomes unlivable.
"Hey landlord, I'd like you to—"
"No."
"Hey landlord, I'd like you to—"
"No."
Follow my lame Twitter feed: @gavin_mac
Or, absolute worst case scenario,to Falcon Randwick and his rotten potatoes ganggavinmac wrote:If you pay 6-12 months up front they have you by the balls, and then you lose the freedom to move out if all of a sudden the water or electricity goes out all the time, or the landlord rents the unit above you to Ned to open a punk rock live music venue
Yeah, you could get burnt to a crisp.logos wrote:Or, absolute worst case scenario,to Falcon Randwick and his rotten potatoes ganggavinmac wrote:If you pay 6-12 months up front they have you by the balls, and then you lose the freedom to move out if all of a sudden the water or electricity goes out all the time, or the landlord rents the unit above you to Ned to open a punk rock live music venue
Trump is a genius!