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.

4. Lease Period: 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)

5. 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 Types in Phnom Penh

Serviced Apartment: In Phnom Penh, many buildings use the term “serviced,” but the level of service can vary. Generally, you can expect more convenience compared to regular apartments. Most serviced apartments offer cleaning one to three times per week, Wi-Fi, cable TV or smart TV, 24/7 security, maintenance support, and a concierge or reception service. Many also include full kitchenware along with major appliances such as a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and washing machine. Lifestyle amenities—like a swimming pool, gym, steam room, sauna, rooftop area, or garden—are also commonly provided.

Apartment/ Condo: Apartments or condos usually do not come with cleaning service, but 24/7 security and Wi-Fi are typically available. Newer buildings often feature facilities such as a swimming pool and gym as part of the shared amenities. Maintenance requests may take a bit more time compared to serviced apartments, as they are usually handled by the building management or owner individually.
Renovated Apartment: A renovated apartment is normally located on the 1st to 4th floor (without elevator) of a front shophouse or townhouse that has been upgraded with modern fixtures and interior improvements. These units are often more affordable because services like cleaning are not included in the rental price. You will mainly find renovated apartments in areas such as Daun Penh and Prampir Makara district.
Villa/ House: For those looking for more privacy and larger living space, villas or houses—especially in gated communities known as Borey—are excellent options. Standalone villas in the city center are now very limited, but if distance from central Phnom Penh is not a major concern, Borey communities offer security, space, and a family-friendly environment.

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.

Practical Tips for Renting a House or Apartment in Phnom Penh

1. Begin Your Search a Little Early
Good properties in the city rent out quickly, especially in central districts. Starting your search three weeks to one month haft before moving gives you enough time to compare options and avoid rushing into the wrong place.

2. Know What You Really Need
Before you start viewing units, take a moment to decide what matters to you.
Think about:

The size and layout you prefer
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Whether you want a serviced apartment or a standard unit
Parking, pet-friendly rules, or building facilities like a gym or pool
Clear expectations make the whole process smoother.

3. Get Familiar With the Market
Each area in Phnom Penh has its own price range, lifestyle, and type of buildings. Spend some time checking listings or talking to agents so you have a realistic idea of what fits your budget. This helps you avoid surprises later.

4. Work With a Reputable Real Estate Agency
A reliable agency can save you time, reduce stress, and help you secure better deals.
A good agency will:

Recommend properties that match your needs
Explain the pros and cons of each building
Help you negotiate the rent or included services
Guide you through the contract so you don’t miss important details
For newcomers or busy professionals, having expert support makes a big difference.

5. Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate
In Cambodia, rental prices often have some flexibility. If you like a property, politely discuss the price or ask whether services (like cleaning or internet) can be included. Owners usually consider reasonable requests.

6. Read the Lease Agreement Slowly and Carefully
Before signing anything, make sure you understand:

Deposit rules and when it is refunded
Notice period for moving out
Responsibilities for repairs or damage
Which utilities or services you must pay
A clear contract protects both you and the owner.

Start your property search wisely with our real estate specialist today!

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