Accommodation in the Cayman Islands

There is a large selection of apartments and condos available for long-term rent in the Cayman Islands. Expats will find that costs vary substantially, depending on location and proximity to areas such as George Town and the Seven Mile beachfront.

Rental accommodation is relatively easy to find, and annual leases are generally available. During the tourist season (November and February), it can be more difficult to secure an annual lease.

Types of accommodation in the Cayman Islands

There are various types of accommodation for expats to choose from when renting, including houses, condominiums, apartment complexes and rooms/apartments in larger houses. The most common types of properties available are two- and three-bedroom condos and townhouses, which are popular for long-term renting.

Most accommodation in the Cayman Islands comes fully furnished.

Finding accommodation in the Cayman Islands

There are real estate agents situated across the islands who can help househunters. Alternatively, there are many websites advertising property online, which can be useful for expats. Expats should act quickly when signing a lease, as the market moves quickly and competition for rental properties can be quite fierce.

EcayTrade is an online classifieds directory with a comprehensive real-estate section divided into properties for rent, purchase or sharing.

Renting accommodation in the Cayman Islands

More often than not, expats working on the island for two to three years rent property rather than buy. Thanks to the transient nature of expat stays on the islands, the property market is well run.

Once expats have decided on suitable accommodation, they must approach the landlord as soon as possible to negotiate a mutually beneficial lease agreement, pay the deposit and sign the contract.

Making an application

The first step in the rental process after finding the desired accommodation is to file an application. Prospective tenants can either do this directly with the landlord or via an estate agent. The landlord or agency will perform various checks. If the application is successful, a lease will be drawn up and signed between the landlord and the tenant.

Leases

A standard rental contract is usually valid for a year, with the option to renew at the end of the initial term. In the Cayman Islands, tenants can sometimes negotiate shorter lease agreements, but this is typically at the discretion of individual landlords. If the property is furnished, a full inventory of items will be taken.

Deposits

Tenants will have to pay a deposit, usually equivalent to one month’s rent, in addition to paying the first month’s rent upfront to secure the rental agreement. This deposit is paid back in full at the end of the lease, assuming the property is left in the same condition it was initially rented in, apart from standard wear and tear.

Utilities

Renters need to carefully check the terms of their lease to determine which utilities are included and what additional expenses they would be liable for. Usually, utilities such as gas, water, electricity and internet aren’t covered by the landlord, but this varies between properties. In some cases, a utilities deposit may be required.