Comprehensive Guide to Siem Reap Apartment Renting

According to many expatriates that have spent some time in Siem Reap, it is one of the most charming and most livable cities in Cambodia. The city is located in the northwestern part of the country, and it is the capital of the Siem Reap Province.

Siem Reap is also called “Temple Town” because it is very close to the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Available Types of Apartments for Rent

There is a wide selection of Siem Reap apartments, from single-bed studio apartments to modern condos located in the center of the city featuring all modern amenities. It’s also possible to choose whether you want a furnished or an unfurnished apartment.

Additionally, sometimes it is possible to choose which amenities you want to be included, while other times, it is you get what you see.

Apartment Lease Contracts

The lease contract is the piece of document that matters most. What you include there is what you get. Anything that is not included is left at the mercy of your landlord. Therefore, make sure you add enough clauses in your contract to protect yourself from forceful eviction, define who needs to fix something in case it malfunctions, the price of the rent for the duration of the lease, and so on.

Most landlords insist on leases no shorter than six months. They can only make an exception if it is the low monsoonal season. That’s because, during that period, most of the local NGOs and many other expatriates skip town.

Most landlords also ask for a deposit and one or two months’ rent in advance. In addition to the rent, the tenant also needs to pay his utility bills.

Average Rents

Rent prices start at just $150 per month for a single-room studio with only a microwave, mini-fridge, and a small kettle. The apartment will be most likely to be somewhere on the outskirts of the city.

$300 to $350 will get you a small studio apartment, while $500 per month is enough for a two-bedroom apartment with a good air conditioner and a bit closer to the city center.

$600 to $1000 will get you a much nicer two-bedroom apartment tastefully decorated in a neighborhood close to the center of the city. In most cases, that will include a small balcony or a terrace. Also, you can expect a kitchen with quite a few appliances.

$1500 per month can bring you a great apartment located in the center of the city with an excellent selection of amenities at your disposal. Typically, you will have access to a small gym, a pool, a parking space, and so on.

Final Words

Same as any place in the world, what you can afford is what you get. But what matters most is that there are apartments for every budget. The next most important thing is the lease.

The lease, as well as the monthly rates, can be negotiated. Don’t be pushed by the landlord to sign an unfavorable lease. Read it first, ask for additional clauses if needed, and make your case in front of your landlord. That’s how you get a good deal.