Personal checklist copy. Suggested dates are editable planning prompts, not legal, tax or immigration deadlines. Confirm requirements with the responsible authority.
☐ Shortlist neighborhoods and viewing appointments
Compare daily journeys, noise, services and the type of home you want. View several options and record the same checks for each.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/housing
☐ Get the full rental cost in writing
Ask for rent, association fees, deposits, advance rent, utility rates and other move-in charges. Confirm which advance payments cover which months.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/housing
☐ Test internet inside the actual apartment
Ask which providers serve this unit and whether installation is available. Test signal and a video call where you would work; a building advertisement is not proof of service in the unit.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/internet
☐ Check water, cooling and power
Try taps and showers, check air conditioning, and ask about outages and backup arrangements. Record anything that needs repair before move-in.
☐ Inspect condition and inventory
Check for leaks, damp, pests, damaged fixtures and missing furniture. Take dated photos with permission and record concerns alongside each apartment.
☐ Check access, noise and building rules
Visit at a realistic time of day. Check lifts, exits, locks, visitors, deliveries, parking and any accessibility needs. Ask about construction and other recurring noise.
☐ Verify who can rent the property to you
Confirm the landlord or agent’s authority and inspect the property before transferring significant funds. Ask for receipts and a clear payment process.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/housing
☐ Review the lease before signing
Check the term, deposit return conditions, repairs, early exit, permitted occupants and charges. Get independent local advice on terms you do not understand.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/housing
☐ Compare your apartments and update the budget
Compare monthly cost, cash due before move-in and unresolved concerns. Review the numbers before applying a chosen apartment to your moving budget.
☐ Record the move-in handover
Agree an inventory, photograph condition, record meter readings and test keys or access cards. Save the landlord’s repair contact and keep copies of receipts.
☐ Arrange utilities and internet installation
Confirm who opens each account, required documents, setup fees, billing and installation access. Keep mobile data available until fixed internet is working.
Guide: https://www.expatguidephilippines.com/guides/internet