quote:

---

Originally posted by annie_81:
Hi, I just wanted to know, Im moving to Cairo in august and will look for a flat in garden city. What are the Egt laws concerning housing? ONce, I picked an appartment, do I sign a lease, under what terms? should i assume that my rent will be in US$ because im a foreigner? are lease always 1 yr (min.) starting from the month you move in? WHat about rent increase? how does it "normally" works? what should I be careful about (whats included, whats not?) any tips would help. What about the people who help you find a flat; to some you must pay commission yourself (how much), to others the landlord pay them?
thanks.

---

It seems no one really answered your questions so far. There are numerous ways to find a flat, and if you are on your own for this first time, you might be well advised to go through an agent that speaks English. It will cost a bit more than it would if you negotiated your own terms, but being a novice to the process, it might be a good idea.
There are no real laws that will bother you. You can try to have things written in the lease in your favor. For example, you can negoitiate your rent to be in Egypt Pounds instead of US dollars if you can. Mine is in Pounds and it is wonderful. Of course it is in your favor to keep it in Pounds and in the landlords favor to have it in dollars. Keep it in pounds if you can.
You can negoitiate to pay in one month, 3 month or 6 month increments. The more months you pay at once is good for your landlord so get something for that...as in a lower rent. You don't HAVE to sign for a year at a time if you don't want to, but that will get you the best deals. Short term rentals are more expensive.

My advice is to look at no less than 10 flats before making up your mind, and when you find the one you like, make a list of EVERYTHING possible you'd like to see changed (furniture, flooring, lighting fixtures, appliances.... ANYTHING) and then make a counter offer to the landlord of a price you would pay IF they did all of those changes. Of course all you are doing with this is setting a start for negoitiations and you will probably not get all of your list done for the price you set, but maybe you will.

After living here for a year and seeing your friends flats and what they are paying, and getting some more experience you will be in a better possition to go out and do it on your own next time with the bowabs and landlords.

Good luck. If you want an experienced hand to help out, contact me at my website/email address.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Umm Yunus:
Hi great advice

can u suggest any reputable english spkin letting agents
thanks

---

If you are in Cairo, try to pick up a copy of the BCA Chronicle (available at both BCA clubhouses and elsewhere). There are LOADS of advertisements in it for English speaking realestate agents. Most will offer the same flats/properties (as owners of rentals often list their property with many agencies), so call several and find one you feel a raport with over the phone and one you feel you can communicate with. Also you may want to compare their rates before using them. Some only charge the landlord, some charge the customer (you), so find out what the deal is with them and pick one.