Renting a house or apartment can be one of the biggest obstacles to an assignment abroad for the majority of expats. There are those who are lucky enough that their employer organizes their accommodation in advance, which doesn't detract from the task being complex, but is simply transferred to the team or staff that works on their move.
So, whether you're an expatriate sorting out your accommodation situation on your own or a professional doing it for someone else, here are the 5 key points to consider to get a foreign assignment, short or long, on the right track and be successful.
1. THE RIGHT LOCATION
What is the right neighborhood? Clearly, this depends on the needs and budget allocated for the expatriate's assignment. There will be those who prefer to reside in the city downtown around tourist areas, such as single and young expats, or there will be those who move with their families and choose the quieter suburbs close to good schools.
One of the most effective ways to learn about the best places to live is to talk to people who have been in the same situation as you. They will have direct experience in the city or country in question. Also, you can simply ask your questions in online communities like Reddit.
However, a more important question must first be asked: does the person being assigned want to go where most other expats go? Perhaps this will make it easier to connect with like-minded people, or maybe they prefer to immerse themselves in the local culture rather than try to recreate a "home away from home" in an expat bubble.
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2. THE RIGHT CONTRACT
It's not the intention of this article to offer legal advice but to strongly recommend the importance of getting people who can support you in this regard.
Contracts vary from country to country, for example regarding what is included or the fees to be paid, so seeking professional advice is essential. There are websites, such as SmartShanghai, that offer stories of what happens when contracts are overlooked or abused, which happens to too many expats.
3. THE RIGHT PRICE
We may or may not expect it, but the price almost always surprises us. Even if you think you're moving to an area with a lower cost of living than your hometown, prices may seem steep. Part of the problem is that property searches start with the most desirable areas where, of course, the highest rents are paid.
However, reasonable rents are available, as evidenced by the very useful cost of living comparison site expatistan.com, which shows, for example, what a furnished apartment of a certains m2 costs in a 'normal' area in different cities of world.
As always, the nicer places cost more, but the most important advice is to understand the true cost. Does the cost include an additional agency fee on top of the rent? How much does the service charge cost? How much is required as a deposit and what are the chances of getting it back?
4. THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Most people you deal with will be helpful and well-intentioned, but it's always best to follow recommendations from trusted sources about leasing agencies and landlords.
However, you should be prepared for the leasing agency system to be different from what you're used to in your current home. Different processes and pricing systems will almost certainly be in place, which makes it even more important to have the right (and preferably bilingual) agent working with you.
It's important for every expat to have a good relationship with their landlord, so the best advice is to encourage them to communicate openly and candidly about responsibilities and expectations. Also, it is important to note that tenants should be prepared to confront landlords and demand whatever is necessary.
Another useful tip is to take photos of everything in the house or apartment when you arrive (especially if it's furnished) in order to check the state it was in and defend the position of the tenant when the owner tries to retain the deposit money if it's the case.
5. AT THE RIGHT TIME
It's almost never too early to start looking. As soon as you are sure of the assignment destination, start researching and reading online about other expat experiences and guides for the particular city you will be moving to. This will serve to reduce uncertainty and learn a little more about the culture, places to eat, areas to visit, among other aspects.
However, this doesn't mean that you should have everything set up and resolved before you arrive. Research can provide a very good idea of what you will experience, but many expats prefer to spend some time in the new country in temporary accommodation. Typically, this would be a hotel or Airbnb-type of arrangement, where hosts will also be willing to offer local advice on available options. Another advantage of this is that the tenant can deal directly in person with attorneys, landlords or agencies.
Remember that it's always a good option to previously search for guides and useful advice on the destination city to select the accommodation; however, the best guidance is likely to come from the company handling your relocation process.
