Accommodation in Jordan

The options for accommodation in Jordan are varied, ranging from budget-friendly properties to sprawling luxury villas.

While some expats in Jordan are lucky enough to have their employers arrange their accommodation, many have to go it alone, which can be quite daunting. But with a little patience and perseverance, you will find a home to suit your budget and lifestyle.

Types of accommodation in Jordan

If you're a Western expat seeking a taste of home, compounds will be the best choice and will certainly help ease the sometimes jarring unfamiliarity of Jordan. These compounds are essentially gated communities with several houses, villas, or apartments. They are often luxurious and may include swimming pools, clubhouses, and other recreation areas.

Some expats find that the atmosphere in compounds tends to be less conservative than is typical in Jordan, and they can behave and dress as they would back home. On the other hand, living in such a community does hinder cultural assimilation and means that you can frequently miss out on a great deal of life happening beyond the walls of the compound.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Once you have decided what kind of accommodation you're looking for, you will also need to consider whether you want fully furnished, semi-furnished, or non-furnished accommodation. Fully furnished accommodation provides everything but linen and towels, while a non-furnished place won't have much beyond kitchen cabinets. Semi-furnished accommodation varies but will typically include white kitchen goods such as a stove, microwave, and fridge.

Short lets

Short lets are particularly popular in the capital city of Amman. Expats moving to Jordan may consider renting a short let property before committing to a specific neighbourhood in the country. While this may be convenient, short term rentals can be pricey as they are often fully furnished and include utilities like water, electricity, and WiFi in the cost. 

Finding accommodation in Jordan

Jordanians are generally happy to chat to just about anyone about anything at any time, and this can be very useful for house-hunting expats. Scouting out potential neighbourhoods and having a chat with locals in the area can yield useful information about places to rent nearby.

Of course, searching online could also be fruitful. Although some may try to take advantage of foreigners by overcharging, there are several websites that cater specifically to expats. While the internet is a good place to start your accommodation search, and it may be tempting to sort out a place to live with just a few clicks of a button, it’s important to view the property in person. Meet the landlord before paying or committing to anything.

Property sections in local newspapers can also be useful. Still, you will only be able to use this resource if you have a good understanding of Arabic or have access to a translator.

It's worth considering hiring a real-estate agent. They are knowledgeable about the local housing market and the paperwork involved in renting, and can do most of the required legwork. While convenient, this can be an expensive route to take.

Useful links

• Bayut Jordan
• Apartments for Rent for Expatriates in Amman

Renting accommodation in Jordan

The rental process in Jordan is fairly standard, at least when it comes to compound living. Property owners within a compound are accustomed to dealing with foreigners and won't be fazed by any additional paperwork required. For those opting for accommodation outside a compound, enlisting help from a Jordanian contact or the expertise of an estate agent might be useful. 

Leases

Leases in Jordan are typically for one year with an option to renew, and landlords usually expect the entire year’s rent upfront. So, before searching for a house, expats should ensure that they have the money ready, be that in the form of a loan, savings, or an advance from their employer. Some landlords may be open to negotiation, such as paying six months' rent upfront and the rest at a later stage, but striking this kind of deal will normally push the rental price up. You should be aware that once a lease is signed, it is unbreakable.

Deposits

Because of the lump-sum payment, landlords do not typically ask for a deposit (although legally they are entitled to). But if the tenant breaks the lease terms by moving out early, they will not be refunded any remaining rent. Shorter leases of six months are possible, but again, this will result in an increased rental price, usually by up to 20 percent.

Termination of the lease

Most leases are unbreakable by tenants, but landlords can terminate a lease at their discretion. If your landlord is looking to terminate your lease, they must give you at least a month's notice, and the same goes for tenants looking to break their lease. Once your lease expires, and you choose to renew it, the contract becomes valid indefinitely and is subject to the one-month notice period. 

It's essential for you to take a full inventory of your apartment or compound before moving in, and to conduct a thorough inspection with the landlord or real-estate agent when moving out. This helps you avoid getting charged for normal wear and tear. Landlords are legally entitled to charge tenants for damages beyond normal wear and tear. 

Utilities

In most cases, the cost of basic utilities such as gas, electricity, and water are included in the rental price. There are some instances, especially with short-term rentals, where additional expenses such as telephone rental and internet are also accounted for within the rent. For long-term contracts, tenants must most likely organise and pay for these optional services themselves.

Electricity and gas

Electricity in Jordan is subsidised, making it moderately priced. The National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) owns the country's transmission networks and substations, while several other companies supply electricity to consumers. Amman and central Jordan are served by Jordan Electric Power Company (JEPCO), the south and east receive their electricity through the Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO), while the northern regions receive their services from Irbid District Electricity Company (IDECO). 

Electricity connections will typically be active in most rentals. Expats are encouraged to ensure the previous tenant paid for their consumption to avoid unfair charges. It's easy to pay utilities in Jordan using the eFAWATEERcom portal. 

Most Jordanians use bottled gas for cooking. It's likely that you'll find a gas bottle installed in your home. If not, you can simply purchase a gas tank from local companies like Unigaz Jordan or Central Gas and have it connected. Trucks that offer gas refills often drive around neighbourhoods and play a melody to alert residents of their presence.

Water 

Water is a precious resource in Jordan, and depending on where expats live, they may experience water supply issues. Although the tap water in the country is largely considered safe to drink, most locals and expats choose to drink bottled water. 

Similar to electricity, water bills are payable using the eFAWATEERcom portal or at supermarkets around the country. Despite Jordan being a water-scarce country, the government subsidises water, making it more affordable than in many other countries. 

Bins and recycling

The country's municipalities oversee waste management in Jordan. In Amman, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) collects waste from its over 21,000 collection points throughout the city and then transports this waste to the Al Ghabawi landfill. The municipality provides daily waste collection at these points. 

Recycling is still in its infancy in Jordan, with only 7 percent of the country's waste being formally recycled. Most of the recycling in the country is facilitated informally. Informal waste pickers use pushcarts or trucks to collect plastics, cardboard, metals, and wood. If you're an expat moving to Jordan and would like to contribute to the country's recycling efforts, it's advisable to separate waste and leave out the recyclables for the waste pickers. 

Internet

You'll be happy to find that Jordan boasts many modern connectivity options, including cable, fibre optic, and wireless. Many internet service providers (ISPs) provide reliable connections across the country. Those who are looking for affordable options can check out the combo options that integrate their phone, internet, and cable connections. Some of the best ISPs in Jordan are Orange, Zain, and Umniah.

Useful links

• eFAWATEERcom
• Unigaz Jordan
• Ministry of Water and Irrigation
• Greater Amman Municipality
• Orange
• Zain
• Umniah