What do you need to know about renting in Phnom Penh?
Navigating through the rental market in Phnom Penh is not easy, especially if you are an expat who has just arrived in the country. Use our guidelines specifically designed for expats to prepare for your Phnom Penh expatriation. Discover all the details you require to relocate to the capital of Cambodia.
To be better prepared, here are 5 significant factors to watch out for when you are looking for a property to rent:
- Rental Price: Rent in Phnom Penh is affected by many components, including the neighborhood, the size of the unit, facilities, amenities, and services offered.
- Security Deposit: A security deposit is usually required when renting a property in Phnom Penh. The amount of the security deposit will vary depending on the property, but it is typically equal to 1 month or 2 months’ rent. The security deposit will be refunded to you after the lease maturity and all the bills are settled.
- Utility Bills: Utilities are usually not included in the rent price, so you will need to budget for electricity, water, and gas. The cost of utilities will vary depending on your usage, but you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment.
Utility Bills in Phnom Penh
Electricity Cost
| Housing Type: | Average Cost per KWH: |
| Renovated House | 780 KHR/ KWH or Around $0.20/ KWH (direct bill from EDC) |
| Apartment/ Condo | $0.25 -$0.30/ KWH |
| Serviced Apartment | $0.25 – $0.35 (rare)/ KWH |
| Villa/ House (gated communities included.) | 780 KHR/ KWH or Around $0.20 or lower/ KWH (direct bills from EDC) |
Clean Water Supply (Tap Water)
| Housing Type: | Average Cost per M3 (Cubic Meter): |
| Renovated House | Between 400 – 1250 KHR ($0.10 – $0.325) for domestic usage (Direct bill from PPWSA) |
| Apartment/ Condo | $0.25 – $0.75/ M3 or $5 per person/ Month |
| Serviced Apartment | $0.25 – $0.75/ M3 or $5 per person/ Month |
| Villa/ House (gated communities included.) | Between 400 – 1250 KHR ($0.10 – $0.325) for domestic usage (Direct bill from PPWSA) |
| Rates* are quoted in USD and the Exchange Rate* is flexible according to the market. | |
- Lease Period: 6 months – 1-year lease is preferred. Most landlords are unwillingly having tenants stay for less than six months. The options for a less than 6-month lease are very limited and the price is often much higher or non-negotiable than the published rate. Frequently, the published rate is for a 1-year lease. (Long-term Lease vs. Short-term Lease: Why you should consider a long-term lease)
- Agent Fee: At least to the present day, real estate agencies in Phnom Penh do not charge brokerage fees from the clients. A commission is paid to the agency by the property owner; however, good agencies remain neutral as they depend on favoritism from both parties.
Notably, most of the apartments in Phnom Penh are offered to the market fully furnished or almost fully furnished with basic amenities included in the rent.
Housing Type
- Serviced apartment: In Phnom Penh, many properties labeled themselves as serviced, but they are not all fully serviced. However, you surely can expect more from them. Cleaning service from 1 to 3 times per week, the Internet (Wi-Fi), cable TV/ smart TV, 24/7 security, maintenance service, and concierge service are offered. Some of them even offer a full set of kitchenware on top of large household electric appliances like a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and washing machine. Not to mention leisure facilities like a swimming pool, gym, steam, sauna, rooftop deck, or even a garden.
- Apartment/ Condo: For apartments or condos, despite not providing cleaning, 24/7 security, and internet (Wi-Fi) are usually provided. Features like a swimming pool and gym are also found in the recently built properties. Maintenance often takes a little more time and effort.
- Renovated Apartment: A renovated apartment refers to an apartment on the 1st to 4th floor in a front shop house or a townhouse that has been transformed and equipped with more modern fixtures. It is frequently affordable since most owners do not include services in the rent. You will mostly find this type of property in Daun Penh and Prampir Makara.
- Villa/ House: If you are seeking privacy and space, villas or houses in gated communities, also known as Borey, should not be left out from your list. However, standalone villas in the city center are severely limited. In case distance is not your concern, villas in a gated community are recommended.
Note: Do not be surprised when you find out that most of the properties in Phnom Penh are not pet-friendly. If you have a furry friend, you will not find many options to consider, as most owners/ property managers are concerned about the possible damages caused to the furniture.
Here are some tips for renting a house or apartment in Phnom Penh:
- Start your search early: The rental market in Phnom Penh can be competitive, so it is a good idea to start your search early (Between two weeks to one month in advance).
- Be clear about your needs: Before you start looking at properties, it is important to be clear about your needs. What is the size of the property you need? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What amenities are important to you?
- Do your research: Once you have a good idea of what you are looking for, it is time to do some research. Check out online listings and talk to real estate agents to get an idea of the rental market.
- Negotiate the price: If you find a property that you like, do not be afraid to negotiate the price. The asking price is not always the final price.
- Read the contract carefully: Before you sign the lease, be sure to read it carefully. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.
Start your property search wisely with our real estate specialist today!