Renting a condo or house in the Philippines

The common arrangement is one month of advance rent plus two months of security deposit, paid when you sign. The deposit is returned at the end of the lease, less unpaid bills and repairs beyond normal wear.

For lower-rent units covered by the Rent Control Act (RA 9653), the law caps the advance at one month and the deposit at two months. The coverage threshold and allowed yearly increase are set by the government and change over time.

Twelve months is the norm, and six-month leases are common for furnished condos. Many landlords ask for post-dated cheques covering the lease term.

Read the contract for who pays association dues, utilities and internet, the notice period for renewal or early exit, and whether pets are allowed by both the owner and the building.

Rent listings on Mi Casa have an Apply to rent option on the enquiry card. It sends your move-in date, lease term, household size and employment to the agent in one message, so they can reply with next steps.