General Info

I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2035508]I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?[/QUOTE]I have experience with honest and dishonest landlords in the Philippines. In all cases, they gave off accurate honest or dishonest vibes, but that may not be reliable. The honest ones (two provincial cities and Malate) kept fairly to the letter of the contracts. The dishonest one (Taguig) paid out the deposit, but I'm convinced it was through fear. I'd have willingly spent twice the deposit for "help" in preventing the weasel from keeping it. At least in cities, 3 months is far too long for any power, water, or cable bill. I can't imagine it taking over 30 days. Insist on seeing the real bills before paying them. My experience was in urban areas. In the NPA or Abu Sayyaf infested jungles who knows.

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2035508]I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?[/QUOTE]Your last month's rent could be late much the same way that you are expecting the refund to be late.

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2035508]I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?[/QUOTE]The rental tenancy boards might get the deposit money, but they don't release it after termination until they get clearance from the landlord. This process can take months if there are disputes about the condition of the premises. At least here, the tenant pays directly for utility bills rather than the landlord.

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2035508]I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?[/QUOTE]Most Filipino landlords will try to keep some or all of your 2 months deposit. As a foreigner you should not sign any contract requiring you to wait longer than 3 weeks to recover your deposit. You should also insist on one month's rent for the deposit. If the landlord does not lower it, take your business elsewhere. The problem with trying to consume the last month's rent included in the 2 months deposit is that you must have the luxury of planning your departure months ahead of time. If unseen circumstances force you to move within a week after you have paid your rent in advance for that month, the landlord could end up with 2 months and 3 weeks of rent in his pocket. Trying to get a Filipino to return your deposit is not much different from trying to get him to repay money he "borrowed" from you. Expect the landlord to suddenly become elusive or to not have the cash on hand. I have had to get the Barangay captain involved and even retain the services of friendly policemen. These methods resulted in the prompt return of the money.

However, it is best to avoid the drama by limiting the deposit to one month of rent. As an expat you don't know when you'll have to move in a hurry and you will not have much time to play games with local landlords, especially if you must leave the country in a hurry when mongering goes wrong. Filipino neighbors are nosy and inconsiderate, if you have problems with a native neighbor, expect to be the one moving as your Filipino landlord will most likely side with his countrymen. A month to month rental contract with one month's rent as a deposit is the most flexible way to go. You don't want to find yourself in the situation of making an in-country move and having to come up with 3 months of rent to move into your new place while the previous landlord is holding on to 2 months of rent.

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2035508]I recently leased an apartment for the first time. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?[/QUOTE]I would say yes it is. In my experience (rented 2 houses and 2 apartments) they will find any excuse to deduct some of the deposit from you. Had one idiot who asked why I hadn't cleaned the gutters that were attached to the roof, as he handed them to me in a clean condition. Had another one deduct the cost of changing two busted light bulbs in a maids room. I have found landlords to be petty and mean and totally recommend that you withhold the last months rental dependent on the return of your deposit.

One thing I learnt was to take a video of the place the day I arrived. Much the same way as I take videos of cars I rent. Later this can prevent the " but it was broken / damaged / discoloured before I moved in etc.

[QUOTE=RedKilt;2034053]The key is in your statement "It's been several years since I visited Gensan. . ".

The whole thing has CHANGED Shark. I used to visit Zamboanga too for work and roam around the public market (but that was in 1998/1999)/. I cannot visit Zamboanga any more.

Same for GenSan. I used to go there many many times for work, and at that time it was safe.

The situation has changed guys. Do your due diligence before you visit there.[/QUOTE]I apologize if my post was misleading. It wasn't my intention. I agree totally with everyone who has posted things have changed and are not safe. As RK states, "the situation has changed, do your due diligence before visiting there"! Listen and stay away. No pussy is worth your life!

[QUOTE=FreebieFan;2035674]I would say yes it is. In my experience (rented 2 houses and 2 apartments) they will find any excuse to deduct some of the deposit from you. Had one idiot who asked why I hadn't cleaned the gutters that were attached to the roof, as he handed them to me in a clean condition. Had another one deduct the cost of changing two busted light bulbs in a maids room. I have found landlords to be petty and mean and totally recommend that you withhold the last months rental dependent on the return of your deposit.

One thing I learnt was to take a video of the place the day I arrived. Much the same way as I take videos of cars I rent. Later this can prevent the " but it was broken / damaged / discoloured before I moved in etc.[/QUOTE]My experience has been the opposite. I've rented several places, both commercial and residential, and have never had a single peso withheld. The landlords with whom I've dealt have been honest, forthright, and stayed to the terms of the leases I had signed. So I guess it's a question of paying your money and taking your choice.

GE.

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2035508]I recently leased an apartment for the first time. I am used to the protection of the Rental tenancy board in Australia that retains the bond. In the Philippines the landlord retains the 2 months bond. My understanding is that upon termination of the lease the landlord waits for all bills (which for electricity can be 3 months) before refunding the bond. Has anyone had difficulty getting the bond back? Is it a sensible idea to not pay the last month rent prior to termination to reduce the exposure?[/QUOTE]In Cebu where I rent on a long term basis I have never had issues but as others say it depends where you are etc.

Landlords worldwide can be shifty not just the Philippines but FF has a good idea also re the video.

If you need advice for Cebu PM me Ms A.

I'm sorry if this doesn't exactly fit here, but the U.S. Politics thread apparently no longer exists.

It seems reasonable that various agencies in the U.S. government might have done some economic impact analysis prior to Obama's announcing the Pacific Pivot, in which 60% of Naval assets were committed to the Pacific. I doubt this underworld of bribery involving Naval personnel--nor the extensive cost of investigating it--was part of the analysis. "Six figures" in expenditures for prostitutes? That's a lot of p4p and a boost to the economy.

And so maybe rather than blaming each other for driving up prices when somebody in our forum seems to have overpaid for his nightly recreation, we should give the U.S. Navy its due regard. It's those damn sailors driving up prices.

Hopefully this media source doesn't block you by trying to extort subscripton payments.

Another recent story from the WP, which won't let me back in until I pay the paper, noted that much of the prostitution bribery was delivered in Manila.

[URL]https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/navy-captain-enters-guilty-plea-in-massive-bribery-case/2015/01/15/b09688ba-9ced-11e4-a7ee-526210d665b4_story.html?utm_term=.bc13dae2ddb2[/URL]

[URL]https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/former-admiral-sentenced-to-18-months-in-fat-leonard-case/2017/05/17/1a11869c-3b06-11e7-a058-ddbb23c75d82_story.html?utm_term=.4d63d559746c[/URL]

I have planned an overseas SE Asian trip with a long time regular of mine most likely HK or Singapore. I have not tried to take a Filipino girl out of the country before. A Manila bar girl I know (not the girl I have promised to take on a trip) was convinced by her friend to travel to work in a Japanese KTV in Singapore. , Bought a ticket (one way) but did not have a lot of spending money. Got blocked by immigration and refused exit. Told immigration visiting friend but they didn't believe her. Regularly I see girls corralled off for interviews by immigration. However I have met lots of girls who have travelled on local SE Asian trips funded by their foreign BF. What is the secret to getting past immigration. Do you have to travel with them? Is it a return ticket? Sorry another FR based upon a question. Hopefully my FR balance allows my recent multiple questions.

[QUOTE=ChochaMonger;2035656]Most Filipino landlords will try to keep some or all of your 2 months deposit. As a foreigner you should not sign any contract requiring you to wait longer than 3 weeks to recover your deposit. You should also insist on one month's rent for the deposit. If the landlord does not lower it, take your business elsewhere. The problem with trying to consume the last month's rent included in the 2 months deposit is that you must have the luxury of planning your departure months ahead of time. If unseen circumstances force you to move within a week after you have paid your rent in advance for that month, the landlord could end up with 2 months and 3 weeks of rent in his pocket. Trying to get a Filipino to return your deposit is not much different from trying to get him to repay money he "borrowed" from you. Expect the landlord to suddenly become elusive or to not have the cash on hand. I have had to get the Barangay captain involved and even retain the services of friendly policemen. These methods resulted in the prompt return of the money.

However, it is best to avoid the drama by limiting the deposit to one month of rent. As an expat you don't know when you'll have to move in a hurry and you will not have much time to play games with local landlords, especially if you must leave the country in a hurry when mongering goes wrong. Filipino neighbors are nosy and inconsiderate, if you have problems with a native neighbor, expect to be the one moving as your Filipino landlord will most likely side with his countrymen. A month to month rental contract with one month's rent as a deposit is the most flexible way to go. You don't want to find yourself in the situation of making an in-country move and having to come up with 3 months of rent to move into your new place while the previous landlord is holding on to 2 months of rent.[/QUOTE]Thanks for all the feedback regarding my rental bond fears. Unfortunately I have already signed for 2 months bond and 1 month advance as I was told this is the common practice. The land lady is a Filipino married to a foreigner so hopefully there will be no dramas.

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2036998]I have planned an overseas SE Asian trip with a long time regular of mine most likely HK or Singapore. I have not tried to take a Filipino girl out of the country before.Bought a ticket (one way) but did not have a lot of spending money. Got blocked by immigration and refused exit.[/QUOTE]Just did this several weeks ago: took a Filipino from Manila (from terminal 2 on Philippines Air) to Bangkok: 21 year-old, brand new passport, first trip abroad. Yes, they stopped her at immigration and took her into small room to speak with agent. Fortunately, I had stood near line (there was separate queue for foreigners and citizens) to observe her going thru. After I while, I was called over and learned that agent had examined her wallet (which had no cash), her phone and I-pad and all photos (we known each other 1+ year) to determine who she was travelling with and the nature of relationship. Verdict was: agent (who was a female about 30 year old) is empowered to make the call. They will assess you to make sure your intention and relationship, examine your passport, and make you sign a statement detailing every country you intend to visit, the travel dates, as well as accepting responsibility to cover all her expenses and well-being. And informing that you are criminally liability for failing to abide by the agreement. You must show confirmed tickets for both of you together on return flights. All-in-all, a rather straightforward procedure. Just get to airport in plenty of time. We know they do this to protect the girls, so nothing wrong with that.

This is good to know, CM. Thanks. I will try to find a non-Filipino landlord but am now aware of the risks.

[QUOTE=ChochaMonger;2035656]Most Filipino landlords will try to keep some or all of your 2 months deposit. As a foreigner you should not sign any contract requiring you to wait longer than 3 weeks to recover your deposit. You should also insist on one month's rent for the deposit. If the landlord does not lower it, take your business elsewhere. The problem with trying to consume the last month's rent included in the 2 months deposit is that you must have the luxury of planning your departure months ahead of time. If unseen circumstances force you to move within a week after you have paid your rent in advance for that month, the landlord could end up with 2 months and 3 weeks of rent in his pocket. Trying to get a Filipino to return your deposit is not much different from trying to get him to repay money he "borrowed" from you. Expect the landlord to suddenly become elusive or to not have the cash on hand. I have had to get the Barangay captain involved and even retain the services of friendly policemen. These methods resulted in the prompt return of the money.

However, it is best to avoid the drama by limiting the deposit to one month of rent. As an expat you don't know when you'll have to move in a hurry and you will not have much time to play games with local landlords, especially if you must leave the country in a hurry when mongering goes wrong. Filipino neighbors are nosy and inconsiderate, if you have problems with a native neighbor, expect to be the one moving as your Filipino landlord will most likely side with his countrymen. A month to month rental contract with one month's rent as a deposit is the most flexible way to go. You don't want to find yourself in the situation of making an in-country move and having to come up with 3 months of rent to move into your new place while the previous landlord is holding on to 2 months of rent.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=MsAccount;2036998]I have planned an overseas SE Asian trip with a long time regular of mine most likely HK or Singapore. I have not tried to take a Filipino girl out of the country before. A Manila bar girl I know (not the girl I have promised to take on a trip) was convinced by her friend to travel to work in a Japanese KTV in Singapore. , Bought a ticket (one way) but did not have a lot of spending money. Got blocked by immigration and refused exit. Told immigration visiting friend but they didn't believe her. Regularly I see girls corralled off for interviews by immigration. However I have met lots of girls who have travelled on local SE Asian trips funded by their foreign BF. What is the secret to getting past immigration. Do you have to travel with them? Is it a return ticket? Sorry another FR based upon a question. Hopefully my FR balance allows my recent multiple questions.[/QUOTE]Best to PM me Ms A as there are many stupidities around this subject mainly the immigration officers themselves. Have done this many times and depending who you are with and if she is employed etc, many variants on the same theme.

Many have failed to get past this and is strange to some that a citizen is not allowed to leave for a holiday but this is the Philippines! Also the country visited is important IMHO as Singapore always harder than say other Asian places.

Affidavits from you, her parents, work / employer letters and certificates even stuff from her university can help but sometimes don't. Is a weird and wonderful world we live in LOL.

PM as I have had lots experience in this as well as taking 2 cuties with me around Asia.