Accommodation in Cambodia

Thanks to its advanced urbanisation and development compared to the rest of the country, most expats live in the capital, Phnom Penh. Prices for accommodation in Phnom Penh range significantly, depending on the area.

Types of accommodation in Cambodia

The two main types of accommodation for expats in Cambodia are non-serviced and serviced apartments, although villas are also available.

With non-serviced apartments, expats typically have to pay for all the costs associated with the apartment. Owing to the demand for accommodation, some non-serviced apartments have begun to include perks such as internet, cable, water and cleaning in the monthly rental rate. Be that as it may, electricity is seldom part of the monthly rate.

The cost of rent in serviced apartments is all-inclusive, and they are also fully furnished. They’re also often in better-maintained buildings with more luxurious amenities and modern fixtures.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Accommodation in Cambodia can come furnished or unfurnished. For expats, it’s usually most convenient to move into a furnished place as it eliminates the need to ship furniture from home, a costly and complicated process. If a place is advertised as unfurnished and you require furnishings, feel free to ask the agent or landlord if it’s possible to have furniture added.

Expect to pay more rent for furnished homes, and be aware that definitions of ‘furnished’ can vary. ‘Furnished’ may mean anything from bare basics to fully equipped, right down to linen and cutlery. Being clear on what’s provided and what you’ll have to buy is essential for planning ahead.

Short lets

Providers like Airbnb are ideal for short stays as you get to know the various areas in your city. They are generally more cost effective than staying in hotels and should be equipped with everything you need for a stay of a few weeks or a month or two. Short lets are an ideal base from which to house hunt, allowing you to view properties in person before committing.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Travelocity

Finding accommodation in Cambodia

Online property portals are a fantastic place to start when looking for accommodation in Cambodia, as they are accessible and can be used to research the property market, particularly when trying to gauge common price points.

We advise that expats use a Cambodian estate agent once in the country, preferably one who is bilingual and has experience working with expats. This can immensely ease the process of searching, negotiating and signing a lease.

Another possible resource is social media, particularly Facebook. Ask around in expat groups to find out if any fellow expats are moving out soon. This is a great way to find hidden gems.

Useful links

• Realestate.com.kh
• Khmer24

Renting accommodation in Cambodia

Most expats in Cambodia rent accommodation and will have to negotiate agreements with landlords themselves or through a real estate agent. We recommend that expats use an agent to circumvent the possible language barrier and ensure the deal is watertight.

Making an application

A tenancy agreement requires several documents, including a copy of one’s passport, visa and a letter from an employer.

Leases

Leases tend to be a minimum of two months, but it is common to arrange one for 12 months. Expats moving into a serviced apartment should ensure the inclusion of a comprehensive inventory in the lease agreement.

Deposits

Typically, a deposit of one to three months’ rent is required. The deposit should be returned in full at the end of the lease period, provided there is no damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.

Ending the lease

The lease should include a clause detailing how to end the lease early, should either the tenant or the landlord wish to do so. Generally, the expected notice period ranges from one to three months, but your lease should stipulate exactly how to go about this.

Utilities in Cambodia

Expats moving into non-serviced apartments will typically have to take care of all the utilities, including electricity, water, cable and internet. Those in serviced apartments will have all the costs paid by the landlord.

Electricity and gas

The local power supply is managed by the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC). The electricity bill will remain in the landlord’s name even after you move in. Unscrupulous landlords have been known to take advantage of foreigners by claiming inflated electricity costs. To avoid this, you should always ask to see the utilities bill from the provider.

Gas is widely used in Cambodia, mostly in the form of gas canisters. These can be refilled with gas once empty.

Water

There are different water authorities throughout Cambodia, depending on the area you live in. Water is billed bimonthly. As with electricity, there is a risk of being overcharged, so make sure to ask for the water bill as well as the electricity bill.

Bins and recycling

Garbage disposal in Cambodia is managed by a mix of municipal and private companies and varies according to where you live. You can ask your landlord about which companies are responsible for waste disposal in your area. Be aware that some companies charge foreigners higher rates for their services.

Internet

Cambodia has a wide range of options for accessing the internet. Major providers include EZECOM, SINET and Mekongnet.

Find out more about Keeping in Touch in Cambodia.

Useful links

• Electricity Authority of Cambodia
• EZECOM
• SINET
• Mekongnet