Accommodation in Fiji

Most expats in Fiji only move to the country on a short-term assignment, unless they're retiring. As a result, expats usually rent rather than buy accommodation in Fiji. 

No matter what type of accommodation you're looking for, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the property rental processes in Fiji before relocating. Here's a detailed guide to finding your ideal home in Fiji.

Types of accommodation in Fiji

Expats will find a diverse range of accommodation types in Fiji, from freestanding houses and villas to apartment blocks. Most expats live and work in Nadi, Suva or the island's main resorts. Accommodation here can be pricey, though, so it's a good idea to ask for a housing allowance during salary negotiations with your employer.

While there is high-quality rental accommodation in Fiji, it's important to note there may be a shortage of properties being let for the long term, especially during the high season. 

Furnished vs unfurnished

Most accommodation in Fiji comes furnished or semi-furnished. While this tends to be more expensive than unfurnished housing, it does mean you can move to Fiji with minimal hassle as there's no need to ship furniture from home. It also saves you money on a major upfront cost of moving to a new country.  

Short-term accommodation

There's a wide range of short-term accommodation options in Fiji. These are ideal for stays of a few weeks while you look for a more permanent home. While they are more expensive than long-term options, they're cheaper than hotels and give you a base on the island as you get to know the areas and view properties in person.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Vrbo

Finding accommodation in Fiji

The best way to find accommodation in Fiji is to enlist the services of a real estate agent. They typically have invaluable knowledge of the local housing market and rental processes. Another major plus is that in Fiji, the landlord is responsible for paying the agent's fee when renting, so as a potential tenant, you can make use of an agent's services free of charge.

Property portals and other online resources, such as expat groups on social networking sites, are also useful for getting to know Fiji's property market. These listings can help you learn about the different areas and what you can expect to get at various price points. While you may be able to find your new home through one of these listings, always take safety precautions, such as viewing the property in person and ensuring the listing is legitimate, before paying any money.

Useful links

• Property.com.fj
• Spark Fiji

Renting accommodation in Fiji

Making an application

Once you find a suitable home to rent, you'll have to submit an application. This may involve filling out some paperwork and providing proof of identification and employment. 

You may also be asked for references from past landlords. This can be challenging if you have no rental history in Fiji. To get around this, you can offer to pay a higher deposit as a safety measure.

Leases

When signing a lease, be sure to thoroughly read the agreement so that you fully understand the terms of the contract. Take note of any special conditions, such as the cost of utilities and whether it's included in the rental price or billed separately.

Deposits

You'll need to pay a deposit and the first month's rent before moving in to secure a property. By law, the deposit is limited to the equivalent of one month's rent.

The full deposit should be returned at the end of the lease period as long as there is no damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear. Take inventory and document the state of the property before moving in to ensure you are not erroneously held responsible for any damage.

Ending the lease

In Fiji, the landlord or tenant can end the lease at any time, provided that they give the other party at least 30 days of written notice. The notice must include the reason for ending the tenancy and the date of moving out.

Safety and security

Safety in Fiji can be an issue for expats due to the wealth gap in the country, which has driven crime up. Home invasions happen, so prioritise living in a good area with robust security features such as fences and burglar alarms.

Properties should also be cyclone-proof and have back-up generators, as Fiji’s electricity supply is unreliable, even in Suva. Voltage variations, surges and blackouts are commonplace, especially during heavy rains.

Utilities in Fiji

The cost of utilities in Fiji should be accounted for in your accommodation budget, as they are typically charged on top of the rental fee, based on usage. Compared to many other countries, the cost of utilities in Fiji is generally affordable, though the exact amount will vary depending on your usage habits.

Your landlord might manage utilities, meaning that utilities remain in their name and they receive the monthly bill. For this type of arrangement, the landlord will usually pass the bill on to you so that you can then pay them for the utilities used.

In other cases, you'll be responsible for your own utilities, meaning you may have to contact utilities companies to set up, register or maintain the home's utilities. In this case, you'll be directly billed by the company providing the service.

Electricity

Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) supplies electricity on the islands. They can be contacted online or via phone to set up an electricity supply and sort out billing details.

Electricity on Fiji is not always stable, so having a back-up generator is recommended in case of power failures.

Gas

Residential gas isn't widely used in Fiji, and is piped to houses from individual canisters rather than a central supply. Once the gas in a canister is depleted, it can be refilled for a fee.

Water

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) is responsible for supplying the country's water. Their website has information about setting up your water services and paying bills.

Note that tap water isn't safe to drink in Fiji, so you should consider adding filters to your taps or sourcing drinking water separately.

Bins and recycling

Household waste is managed by local councils. In urban areas, trucks come by several times a week to collect rubbish, while in rural areas collection is generally on a weekly basis.

Recycling in Fiji is handled by private companies such as Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd (WRFL). They provide designated drop-off points for recyclables around Fiji, usually in tourist areas and marinas.

Useful links

• Energy Fiji Limited
• Water Authority of Fiji
• Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd