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10 Tips for Renting your Dream Villa in Laos! 

Moving to a new place can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when there are so many options to choose from. Whether you are new to Laos or already live here, these are some useful tips for renting villas in Laos.

 

In Laos, there are many options and styles for houses; from traditional wooden Lao villas to contemporary modern styles, to French architecture the possibilities are vast. Keep in mind, if you want to rent a villa, most landlords ask for long-term tenants only. Commitment is key!

 

Villas are ideal if you have a family, pets, and/or want a spacious private space. Villas are fantastic because they are usually quiet, spacious, shady, and offer a tranquil atmosphere with a yard and possibly your own garden with a mango or banana tree.

 

A lot of Lao owners are renting their extra spaces for foreigners so there are tons of locations throughout the city that are located either centrally next to high raised buildings or in the outskirts where land space is abundant.

 

Renting a villa is a fantastic option for long-term renters and individuals or families who want a quiet and spacious atmosphere. So, here is a short guide with 10 simple tips to get you started on renting a villa in Laos.

 

Stay refreshed and hydrated with coconuts. Found virtually everywhere in Laos.

 

1. Living with Others

Villas are much more flexible if you plan to live with more than two people. Whether you have a family or want to live with your friends, your home can get noisy and will require more privacy.

 

Families

Villas are the ideal choice if you are moving to Laos with a family. Most villas can have anywhere between two-four bedrooms. They are spacious, conveniently located, and perfect for long-term living with your family. If you have young ones, villas can offer you much-needed privacy.  

 

And if you have a furry family member, most villas are also pet-friendly.

 

 

Housemates

If you are alone and want to opt for a villa, many expats chose to share villas and split the rent! Consider renting a villa for you and your friends or finding a room to rent after you arrive.

 

Typically housemates will share the main facilities and split the bills amongst each other. It's best to wait until you are in Laos before choosing this option, so you can find the right housemates for you! Many young expats who come to Laos on one-year contracts to volunteer or work opt for this option.

 

2. Amenities

 

Another tip for renting a villa in Laos is that amenities can really range with villas, so here are some things you should know about villa amenities.

 

Make a list of some key things you want in your villa. This will help you narrow your search for finding the perfect spot for you. More amenities can increase the monthly rent of a villa. Keep your options open so you know you’re getting a great and fair deal.

 

 

 

Amenities can include:

- Air conditioning

- Washing Machine

- Pool

- Balcony

- Garden

- Private Parking lot/garage

- Gated House

- Security

- Pet-Friendly

- Hot Water

- Front-yard or Backyard

 

No two villas are the same, so consider what exactly you want during your house search. Filter the search menu to match your desired amenities. Contact us here with your requests and we will help you find what you're looking for!

 

3. Security

 

Security is one key factor to consider when renting a villa.

 

Villas vary with security vs. apartments where you usually have CCTV and security guards. Many houses have secure front gates with a padlock. Numerous landlords live closeby, some even right next door. So in case of emergencies, help is not far away!

 

If you would like extra security such as CCTV, you can check out our listings here to purchase all your home security needs.

 

Another traditional home security method is to have a dog! Many local homeowners have outside dogs that are trained to bark at any passers. You will also see guard dog signs to warn potential trespassers.  

 

4. Bills

 

Bills are usually a separate cost when renting a villa, unlike most apartments. Here are some bills you will need to consider when renting a villa. 

 

- Electricity: Usually $50 - $70 per month for two-bedroom villas. After COVID19, the government agreed to subsided rates that are between 151 to 461 kWh per month. The summer season in Laos is incredibly hot and humid, so its best to budget wisely during these months!

 

Current Price Chart from EDL:

 

- Water bill: depends on usage but on average you can plan to pay $10 - $20 per month.

- Internet: varies depending on the package (more info below)

- Garbage fees: There is a monthly fee of 20,000 LAK or $2 per month to collect weekly garbage in Laos.

- Cleaning: If you don’t have the time to clean yourself, you can hire a cleaner. The average cost for a cleaner is 500,000 LAK ($60) per month with cleaning twice a

week. Many landlords will help you hire a cleaner if you ask them.

 

It can be difficult to figure out the different costs on your own, especially if you are new to Laos. Talk to your agent or landlord to help arrange the bills. Find out more about banking and finance options in Laos today on the Yula.la Finance comparisons page!

 

 

5. Internet

 

Again renting a villa is very convenient, but most bills, such as WIFI, are separate costs in comparison to apartments. Most landlords do not include WIFI in their villas, so you will need to purchase your internet plan. But no worries, here are a few tips for how to get wifi set-up when you rent your villa.

 

In Laos, there are various high-speed internet options and mobile data plans that are affordable and easy to set-up.

 

Top Operating WIFI and Data Providers in Laos:

LAO TELECOM is the most well-known operating firms in Laos. You can check out a variety of their plans here.

 

UNITEL

ETL Lao

T PLUS / BEELINE 

SKYNET 

LAOSAT 

PLANET INTERNET

 

If you need wifi temporarily before locking down into a modem internet package, you can simply buy a phone data plan package and use your hotspot. For more affordable options you can check out some of our listings for high-speed WIFI plans here.

 

6. Rent Payment Schedules

 

Another key thing you should consider when renting a villa in Laos is the rent payment agreement, especially if you are wanting to plan your budget before moving. 

 

Paying for rent can vary from paying month-to-month to paying the full amount a year in advance. Here are some keys things you should know about the villa rent agreement in Laos.

 

In Laos, most landlords want long-term renters and will ask for prepaid rent in cash by increments of 3, 6, or 12 months for most villa properties. If the monthly rent is $700, you will pay $2,100 in advance. Plus a security deposit.

 

Make sure to also consider the season changes, from the blazing hot summers to the rainy season, and one short winter. Find a place that is comfortably suitable for the weather before signing a long-term agreement.

 

In recent years, rental prices have fluctuated as more foreigners are moving to Laos and renting homes. However, during the pandemic, many people have gone back to their home countries allowing for the market prices to drop as landlords are avidly looking for new tenants.

 

Overall, the rental prices in Laos are not set and stone, nor consistent. The prices depend on the location, the estimated salary of the tenant, and the market conditions.

 

Check out our listing for villas by average prices for two-bedroom villas in Vientiane:

Budget Villas: $300 - $500 per month.

Mid-level Villas: $550 - $700  per month.

Upper Mid-level Villas: $750 - $1100 per month.

High-Quality Villas: $1200 + per month. 

 

If you can't find what you're looking for, contact us today and we will find what you need.

 

7. Lease Agreement

 

Another tip for renting a villa in Laos is to make sure to read through all the details of your lease agreement, especially as a long-term tenant you will want to make sure your lease agreement is fair and clean!

 

Double-check all the details and see how your landlord might handle additional handyman services if a problem were to arise.

 

Check what the agreement states for noise level expectations, deposits, rent schedule, damaged property, etc. The following items should be included on a lease agreement:

 

- Name and contact details of the tenant and landlord

- Location details

- Agreed rent and payment schedule

- Security Deposit (if required)

- Term information and extensions terms

- Termination of lease

- Use of premises

- Obligations of each party

- Representation and warranties

 

If you need legal support for real estate in Laos, please contact us here. We will link you with Laos leading legal consultant. Consultations are available in Lao, English, and Mandarin languages.

 

Wooden Polished Furniture made from the remains of old Lao houses

 

8. Furnished

 

Most rental villas are furnished but vary significantly from each other.

Every house is unique and some are older with more traditional "Lao" wooden styles furniture and used appliances. If you want a more modern western style home, keep in mind it will be more expensive, yet refreshingly new.

 

For kitchen utensils, small appliances (coffee maker, toaster oven, blenders, etc.), and other home additions, check out our listings.

 

Furniture for villas usually include:

- Bedding

- Sofa

- Table and chairs

- Wardrobes

- Minimal kitchen appliances (varies with the house)

- TV (you may need to buy a satellite plan)

- Washing Machine (varies)

 

Unfurnished villas are much cheaper. This might be a great option for you if you plan to stay long term and want a unique space. Browse our array of furniture options here. 

 

9. Real Estate Agents

 

Real estate agents can make your home search much smoother and save you time; however, there are some advantages and disadvantages to having a real estate agent.

 

There are plenty of English-speaking real estate agents both, locals and foreign realtors. In Laos, most properties are privately owned, therefore real estate agents are not the sole property managers.

 

Agents are the middle-man between you and the landlord. They are really helpful if you are new to Laos, the language barrier is hindering your search, and you need help finding the right property and landlord.

 

If you would like to go without a real estate agent and crave for a house hunting adventure, you can take a drive around different neighborhoods and look for posted signs saying “house for rent” and contact the number listed; however, be aware of possible language barriers.

 

Need a real estate agent? Contact us now!

 

Villas are incredibly diverse, with many options to choose from. It can be tough to find the right place that suits all needs, but we guarantee you will find one!

Check out our villas listings in Vientiane here.

 

 

10. Location, Location, Location!

 

Our last tip is choosing the best location for your villa.

 

Locations for villas vary, as they are virtually everywhere. Finding the right location for you and your needs are important. Villas that are centrally located can be more expensive than ones that are outside of town.

 

If you wish to be centrally located, you might have less outdoor space. If you want to live outside of town, you can have much more yard space, and have higher chances of getting your mango tree!

 

If you’re looking to rent a villa in the hotspots of Vientiane, you can check out some of these great listings below: 

 

Villas in Chanthaboury 

Villas in Sikhottabong 

Villas in Sisattanak 

Villas in Xaysetha 

 

Modern style villa with a beautiful garden

 

For more key information about centrally located spots for expats to live, check out our latest blog post here. 

 

In conclusion, villas are a  wonderful option if you plan to stay in Laos for at least one year. Landlords are quite adamant about long-term renters and will do the best they can to make sure you are comfortable and safe. Villas are spacious, unique, and readily available throughout Laos. As more foreigners come to Laos, more landlords are reviving and renting out their villas. Find your dream villa today at Yula.la with hundreds of villas throughout Laos. 

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