Life can take you to exciting places, especially if you have big dreams to travel the world. Whether you come from a small town or a big city, you may move to a new country or study abroad and find yourself preparing for your trip.
Living abroad long-term requires a bit more thought than a weekend trip to a nearby beach. You have to know where you're going, where you'll run errands and what you can do in the area. Figuring out your living situation will be the first thing you need to square away, but where do you start when you've never been to that location before?
Whether you’re making your new home in a similar culture or somewhere exotic, it’s important to know what to look out for when renting abroad. You can find the perfect place to live for the next few months or years, no matter what you plan to do with your future. Prepare a list of potential rentals and use these tips to learn more about the places, sorting through them according to your needs.
1. Ask About What's Included
Any rental location you choose will include extra fees in your rent. You might get internet or utilities in the cost of your rent, or additional expenses could cover Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. When your monthly payment includes specific amenities, you'll have less to worry about purchasing once you arrive, and it's less money for you to pay each month in separate bills.
2. Find Furnished Apartments
After you make the big trip out to your destination, the last thing you want to do is spend a ton of money at furniture stores. Finding a furnished apartment is essential for students renting abroad or people living in a space for less than a year.
3. Research Previous Renter's Reviews
You've made a list of potential rentals, so sort through their reviews. Check reviews on multiple sites to see how the previous renters felt about the place. This information could show you deal-breaking problems before you move in, like a lack of a trash service or office staff who don't pick up the phone.
4. Figure Out Payment Methods
Depending on where you rent, your landlord may prefer a payment method you aren't used to. In Europe, it's common to pay rent with a debit card from a local bank account. Some landlords only accept checks or require you to submit the funds through their community website. Plan for how you'll pay, since you may need to call a local bank before you get there.
5. Check for Residential Rules
Living abroad long-term will be smoother for you if you learn about local laws that affect your rental space. Some towns and countries regulate rentals according to their neighborhood, even for people like students who need short-term rentals. That could keep you from sub-leasing if you need to get out of your contract early.
6. Request a Documentation List
Some landlords may require specific documentation to prove that you're a reliable tenant. If you want to rent in France, you may have to show recent pay stubs, reference letters or a copy of your passport.
It's also smart to be aware of your renter's rights concerning what you have to provide. Although you may need to show specific documentation in France, it's illegal for them to ask for bank statements. It's easy for locals to take advantage of travelers who don't know the area or the laws, so learn as much as you can before you start dealing with any community managers.
7. Inquire About Paperwork
You're used to signing a lease to rent a home or apartment, but some countries don't require paperwork. Some regions may agree to host tourists in rental places after just a handshake. That makes it easy for people to bypass expenses like a security deposit, but it also leaves no legal protections in place for renters.
Consider your options carefully and think through every living space you encounter. You might save money upfront, but if someone breaks in and steals your belongings, or the rental is full of cockroaches, you may not have any rights for a legal response in some cases.
8. Review the Lease Timeline
Before you leave home, try to set a date for your return. Most travelers will be home within a few weeks or months, which is much shorter than a traditional lease. Review the lease timeline for any spots that catch your eye. You don't want to lock yourself down to a year-long contract if you'll only be studying abroad for four months.
Make sure the lease is for the length of time you'll live there — or has an option to get out early. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with the landlord or community manager and discuss alternatives before you sign.
Take Your Time When Renting Abroad
Start looking up rental options as early as you can. Taking your time will help you spot negative reviews, talk about your options with landlords and learn about residential rules. As you learn about different areas, you'll figure out where you should live and which communities are right for your long-term travel plans.
About the Author
Alyssa Abel is an education and study abroad blogger with a passion for travel. Follow her @alyssaabelblog on Twitter or read her blog, Syllabusy.